Irish learner drivers warned over major rule change as over 1,000 driving tests cancelled

Learner drivers across Ireland have been warned of a major rule change that has come into effect leading to over 1,000 driving tests being cancelled over the last two weeks.

Over 1,200 tests were cancelled because of issues with insurance documents, the (Road Safety Authority) RSA has said, as since March 9, learners taking their tests are required to provide evidence that they are insured to drive the vehicle they take the test in.

READ NEXT: WATCH: 'It's fate' - Troy Parrot's Mam and Granny show support ahead of big Ireland match

The new rule was introduced following a dispute between the RSA and Fórsa, the union that represents driving testers, following claims testers were not fully covered by the State Claims Agency.

An agreement has also now been introduced to allow digital proof of insurance to be accepted as well as paper documents, a change Fórsa says "should significantly help reduce the high number of cancellations".

The RSA has now said it is prioritising affected customers with new test dates.