The changes are being proposed by a European group of agri-contractors.
Proposals to enforce stricter rules on young tractor drivers are being considered by the European Commission.
The European Organisation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors is proposing creating a two-tier system, which would limit the speed and weight of the tractor a 16 year old learner permit could drive.
The combined weight of a tractor and trailer would have to be no higher than 20 tonnes.
The European representative group is being supported by the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland.
To graduate from a T1 to a T licence, drivers would have to take a test - but the licence could be used in all EU member states.
It would replace our current W system.
Farming Independent journalist, Moyvore's Claire McCormack says there are other incentives to the proposed changes:
As the proposals - which were submitted last summer - are only being introduced for consideration by the European Commission now, it remains to be seen when Irish farming associations will be consulted or when the new measures might be implemented.
It's part of a wider examination on all transport licences.
It's considered a "politically hot" topic and negotiations are expected to take some time.
According to the Road Safety Authority, 32 per cent of the 268 injury collisions involving agricultural tractors on Irish roads between 2018 and 2021 involved drivers who were 25 years old or younger.
Dame Judi Dench Accepts Honorary Patronage Of The Leinster Regiment Association
Midlands Households Discard €31m Worth Of Food This Year
Laois “STEM Stars” Initiative Brings Inclusive Science Learning To Autism Classes
High Temperatures Continue In Ireland Amid European Heatwave
CAO Deadline Approaching For Midlands Leaving Cert Students
Midlands Farmers Encouraged To Support Rural Communities In Africa
Midlands MEP Invites Women To Share Views On Gender Equality
Midlands Parents Strongly Back Co-Educational Classrooms
Danish Retailer NORMAL Opens In Westmeath
Laois Gardai Arrest Driver Speeding 186 km/h Under Influence Of Cocaine
Water Restored To Westmeath Homes After Burst Main Disruption
Laois Gardai Arrest Driver For Expired Learners Permit
225km Charity Walk Passing Through Midlands Today
Midlands Arrests Made As Part Of Organised Crime Group Investigation
Laois TD Asks Taoiseach To Secure Investment For Food Production Facility
Uisce Eireann Continues Public Appeal For Public To Conserve Water
Offaly Firefighters Raise €2k For Lifesaving Defibrillator Ahead Of Marathon Run
Offaly Set For Major Energy Storage Project Involving Google
Midlands Children Raise More Than €9,000 On National Pyjama Day
Offaly Community Urged To Back Courthouse Transformation Plans