Donegal ranks as the eighth-best county for learner drivers

Donegal has been ranked as the eighth best county in the country to learn how to drive, according to research. 

Research by 123.ie Insurance has revealed the best counties in Ireland for learner drivers.

Data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Central Statistics Office (CSO), including test centres, tests delivered, pass rates, waiting times, fatal collisions and penalty points in 2025, was analysed in the study. Each county was scored out of 600 to show where learners have the best opportunity to be awarded a full driving licence.

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Donegal placed eighth with 498.2 points, behind counties such as Longford, Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo, and Kerry. Offaly and Laois rounded off the top ten list. 

Longford top-scored with 585.3 points, due to its strong pass rate of 58%, a test waiting time of five weeks, steady access of tests for learners, and the relatively low number of penalty points, pointing to safer roads overall, meaning that Longford was viewed as a good place for learners who are getting ready to sit their driving test.