377 cars driven by unaccompanied learner drivers have been seized since the introduction of new legislation.

Since December, gardaí have been able to impound any vehicle being driven by someone on a provisional licence unaccompanied.

According to the Irish Times, from December 22 until February 10 gardaí seized almost eight cars per day on average, from learner drivers who failed to obey new laws.

The legislation requires learners to be accompanied by a driver who has held a licence for at least two years.

While it was already an offence for learners to drive unaccompanied, new powers were brought in under the 'Clancy Amendment', named after a mother and daughter from Cork who were killed in a crash caused by a learner driver.

Motorists whose vehicles have been seized face fines of up to €1,000 plus additional release fees for every day the car remains impounded.