Nearly 30,000 drivers have been road on a provisional licence for up to 30 years.
A midlands driving instructor says the incentive to sit a test simply "isn't there."
More than 28,000 drivers have been on the road with a provisional licence for up to 30 years.
Figures from the Road Safety Authority show they're on their third or subsequent learner permit, and haven't sat a test.
However, the number who've never sat a driving test could actually be higher, as the stats from 1994 to 2008 don't include testing data.
Michael Hogan from Hogan's School of Motoring in Portlaoise, who's also a former Garda, says the chances of getting caught are "slim to none:"
These students say there are long waiting lists for driving tests:
Editor of CompleteCar.ie, Shane O'Donoghue, says thousands of learner drivers have been taking advantage of the system loophole for many years:
Planning Permission Approved For New 800 Pupil Secondary School In Midlands
Annual Rose Of Tralee Tour Underway
Longford-Westmeath TD Urges Action On Vacant HSE-Owned Buildings
Taoiseach Backs Offaly Camino Proposal
Laois Pride Launch Writing Competition In Memory Of Joe Drennan
Laois Truck Driver Arrested For Driving Overweight Truck Under Influence
Offaly Business Closed Over Food Safety Breach
Gardai Continuing Laois Meadow Fire Investigation