Leitrim stands out in new driving study with good news for learner drivers

Research has shown that Leitrim is one of the best places in Ireland to learn how to drive. The research is based on data from the Road Safety Authority and Central Statistics Office, including test centres, test waiting times, pass rates, tests delivered, fatal collisions and penalty points in each county in 2025.

Each county was scored out of 600 to show where learners have the best chance of getting their full driving licence.

Leitrim ranked second overall in the country, scoring 573.8 out of 600 in the study carried out by 123.ie Insurance.

According to the study, learners in Leitrim wait an average of just four weeks for a test, helping them book and sit their test sooner.

The county recorded a 54 percent pass rate and one fatal collision in 2025, showing positive results for safety.

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Leitrim also offers a quieter and less stressful environment for learners to build confidence on the road.

Other top counties for learner drivers include: Longford, Cavan, Roscommon and Sligo.

Longford has been named the best county in Ireland for learner drivers, with a top score of 585.3. It recorded a strong 58 percent pass rate, an average waiting time of just five weeks, and importantly no fatal collisions in 2025.

Even with just one test centre, the county delivered 1,938 tests, showing steady access for learners without long delays. Longford also had a relatively low number of penalty points at 5,149, pointing to safer roads overall. 

Cavan ranks third with a strong score of 559.6. Learner drivers benefit from a short four-week waiting time, and with more than 3,500 tests delivered in 2025, there are plenty of opportunities to get on the road and sit the test. 

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The county has a 51 percent pass rate, and its mix of rural roads and busier routes, including those around the Cavan Crystal Hotel bypass, gives learners the chance to practise in a range of driving conditions.

Roscommon ranks fourth with a strong score of 545.1. The county recorded a solid 54 percent pass rate and an average waiting time of just four weeks, helping learners progress to test day without long delays. While five fatal collisions were recorded last year, 7,263 drivers had penalty points, the sixth lowest figure in the country.

Rounding out the top five is Sligo, with a strong score of 534.4. Learners benefit from a short four-week waiting time, a 51 percent pass rate, and just one fatal collision recorded in 2025, the second lowest in the country.

With a mix of town, rural and coastal roads, including routes along the Wild Atlantic Way, learners gain experience sharing the road with tourists and cyclists. All of this helps build confidence so that when test day arrives, they can feel ready for whatever the road brings.

The full study is available here.

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