4,685 people are still driving with learner permits - over 26 years after first receiving one.
According to freedom of information figures, they still haven't passed their driving test.
You're not allowed to apply for a third or subsequent learner permit unless you've recently done a driving test, or have one booked.
But many people have had one for several years.
Many counties have high numbers, including 167 in Galway, 159 in Kilkenny and 172 in Limerick.
218,000 people have had a learner permit for less than five years.
Over 277,000 people have learner permits, including 89,000 people in Dublin, nearly 30,000 in Cork, and 14,000 in Kildare.
Reporting by Eoghan Murphy
