Almost 6,000 learner drivers got penalty points last year for not being accompanied by a qualified motorist.
5,929 penalty point notices were issued which is an increase of nearly 200 on the previous year, according to freedom of information figures.
It's against the law for people to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit. People who do could have their car seizued and could receive two penalty points.
Of last year's notices, more than a third, or 2,145, were issued to drivers in Dublin.
619 were issued in Cork, 355 in Kildare, and 263 in Wexford.
