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- Renting a Vehicle
- EU/EEA Drivers Licences
- Non EU/EEA Drivers Licences
- How to Exchange Your Foreign Drivers Licence for an Irish Drivers Licence
- How to Apply for an Irish Drivers Licence
Renting a Vehicle
When renting a vehicle you will need a full driver’s licence from the country that you reside in. However, typically you must have held that licence for 2 years. Drivers aged between 21 – 25 years and 70 – 75 years are usually subject to special conditions.
Non-EU/EEA driving licences cannot be accepted if the holder has been a resident in Ireland for more than 12 months (see below about exchanging your foreign drivers licence).
Typically, an International Driving License is required if your national driver’s license is not in Roman script. International Driving Permits must be accompanied by the original domestic licence of the driver. Those that accept non Roman script licences will require an English translation. Always read the fine print of the car hire contract before confirming your booking.
EU/EEA Drivers Licences
If you have an EU/EEA driver’s licence you may continue to drive in Ireland on your current licence. You can exchange it for an Irish drivers licence when it expires.
Non EU/EEA Drivers Licences
If you have a licence from a country outside of the EU/EEA, then you may drive on your driver’s licence in Ireland for 12 months. However, after the 12 month period you need to apply to have your driver’s licence changed to an Irish one.
How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for an Irish Driving Licence
Are You Eligible to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for an Irish Driving Licence?
To be eligible to exchange your driver’s licence for an Irish one you must:
- Permanently reside in Ireland for at least 185 days per year.
- Lived in Ireland for the 12 months prior to applying for the exchange.
- Have an Irish PPS number.
- Have a driver’s licence from one of the following countries.
- Australia (Victorian licence holders must sign a declaration to allow Vic Roads licensing authority to release information to the NDLS if required)
- British Columbia Province of Canada (the category of your licence will determine the category of Irish Licence you will receive)
- Gibraltar
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
- Japan (a certified translation of the document is required)
- Jersey
- Manitoba Province of Canada (Manitoba licence holders can exchange a Class 5, I of F driving licence for the category B car restricted to automatic transmission, Class 6, stage I and F driving licence for the category A1 small motorcycle. You will also be given a category W Tractor).
- New Zealand (Motorcycle and Car are the only)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Province of Canada (the category of your licence will determine the category of Irish Licence you will receive)
- Ontario Province of Canada (Ontario licence holders can exchange a G or G2 driving licence for the category B car restricted to automatic transmission.)
- South Africa
- South Korea (a certified translation of the document is required)
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (Motorcycle & Car are the only)
If you do not have a driver’s licence from one of these listed countries, you will need to apply for an Irish drivers licence by completing the full Irish driver licensing procedure.
To exchange your driving licence for an Irish one, you need to make an appointment at the NDLS, which you can do online. If you go into the NDLS centre without an appointment, then expect to wait a while.
Tip- For further information and advice, head to the National Driver Licence Service website.
How to Book Your Appointment at the NDLS
What to Bring to Your NDLS Appointment
- Your driving licence
- Photographic ID
- Proof of your residency entitlement
- Evidence of your PPS Number
- Proof of address
- Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
- Completed Eyesight Report Form D502 (if applicable)
- A completed Driving licence application Form D401
- You will also need to pay the appropriate fee
What to Expect at Your NDLS Appointment
During your NDLS appointment, you will be asked to provide your documentation. They will then take your photograph and capture your signature digitally to print onto your new driver’s licence.
Once you have completed the application process and paid for your licence, you will be given a receipt. Your application will be sent to the Central Licensing Processing Unit (CLPU) and your new licence should be posted to you within five to eight working days.
How to Apply for an Irish Drivers Licence
If your driver’s licence is not from a country listed above, you may drive on your licence for 12 months. But after this period, you must apply for an Irish driving licence by completing the full Irish driver licensing procedure.
In order to apply for an Irish driving licence, you must:
- Be 17 years of age, or, 16 years to drive a work vehicle.
- Demonstrate that you are an Irish Resident
- Reside in Ireland for at least 185 days per year
- Have resided in Ireland for 12 months prior to undertaking the driver licence testing process
- Have an Irish PPS number.
- For further information and advice, head to the National Driver Licence Service website.
There are five steps that you must complete in order to achieve your full Irish drivers licence:
Step 1: Driver Theory Test (DTT)
There are different tests depending on which category of drivers licence you are applying for. For example, the category B car theory test consists of 40 questions of which 35 must be answered correctly within 45 minutes. Tests are normally done on a computer and can be taken in English or Irish.
To prepare for the test, study the approved DTT Revision material.
How to Book Your DTT
Go online to the DTT website and:
1. Choose the category of licence that you wish to be tested for
2. Provide the following documents (these documents must be taken with you to your DTT appointment)
- Valid proof of identity
- Evidence of your Irish PPS number
- Two identical colour passport sized photos
3. Select the DTT centre that you wish to attend
4. Schedule your DTT time
5. Pay your DTT test fee.
What to Expect at Your DTT Appointment
Step 2: Learner Driving Permit
Once you have your theory test certificate, you can apply for a learner driving permit.
To apply for a learner driving permit, you need to make an appointment at the NDLS, which you can do online. If you go in without an appointment, then expect to be waiting a while.
How to Make an Appointment at the NDLS
How to Fill out the Application Form for a Learners Permit D201
What to Bring to Your NDLS Appointment
- Completed Application Form for a Learners Permit D201
- Photographic ID
- Proof of your entitlement to residency
- Evidence of your Irish PPS number
- Evidence of your current address
- Completed Eyesight Report Form D502
- Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
- Current or previous driving licence (if applicable).
- Driver theory test certificate.
- You will also need to pay the appropriate Learners Permit fee
What to Expect at Your NDLS Appointment
During your NDLS appointment, you will be asked to provide your documentation. They will then take your photograph and capture your signature digitally to print onto your new driver’s licence.
Once you have completed the application process and paid for your licence, you will be given a receipt. Your application will be sent to the Central Licensing Processing Unit (CLPU) and your new licence should be posted to you within five to eight working days.
Step 3: Essential Driver Training (EDT)
The EDT is a mandatory course that teaches fundamental driving skills. It consists of 12 one-hour lessons. You will also need an experienced driver to supervise your driving practice outside of these lessons. Your lessons and driving practice should be recorded on a specially issued logbook.
The fee for the EDT varies. To find an EDT instructor, visit the RSA website.
- Learner drivers must display their “L” plates while they are driving.
- Learner drivers are not allowed to drive on motorways
- Learner drivers must always be accompanied by a qualified driver (holders of a full driver’s licence for at least two years).
Step 4: Driving Test
Once you have completed your EDT and held your learner driving permit for at least six months, you may book your driving test on the Road Safety Authority website. Alternatively you can download a driving test application form or obtain a copy from any motor tax office. The test can be taken in English or Irish. It is recommended that the driving test be applied for well in advance as waiting times can be long.
When taking the driving test, the following are required:
- Pay the necessary driving test fee
- Your valid learner driving permit
- Your EDT logbook
- Evidence of your PPS
- A roadworthy, registered, insured, motor taxed vehicle.
- L-plates on both the front and rear of the car
What to Expect During Your Driving Test
There are two components to the test:
- Technical check of vehicle: You must demonstrate how to do a technical check on the car (e.g. check tyres, lights, engine oil etc…)
- Practical test: You will be asked to drive for approximately 30 minutes and to carry out manoeuvres such as, reversing around a corner, parking, hill start etc…
After the driving test has been successfully passed, you will be issued a certificate of competency which is valid for two years. You can use this Certificate of Competency to apply for your full driver’s licence.[/su_spoiler]
Step 5: Full Driving Licence
After passing the practical driving test and receiving your Certificate of Competence, you can apply for a full driving licence.
You will need to provide the following documents when applying for a full driving licence:
- A completed application form D401.
- Your learner permit
- Your Certificate of Competency
- Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
- Evidence of your Irish PPS number
- Evidence of your address
- The relevant fee
- You must display “N” plates while driving for a period of two years after receiving your full Irish drivers licence.
Richard Lamprey
Dear Colleen, I am British, settling in Ireland. I wish to exchange my UK Licence for an Irish Driving Licence. I understand that once I have done this at an NDLS centre, I will be given a ‘Receipt’, which I can drive on in Ireland. I also understand that it can take some 3 months to get the Irish Licence, and that the ‘Receipt’ can be presented to Gardai during this time as evidence of the exchange. However, I also have to travel to UK often for short work missions, and need to hire a car in UK. This might be whilst waiting for the Irish Licence to arrive. My Question, do you or anyone else reading this have any experience of hiring a car in UK on the basis of an NDLS Receipt (as evidence of licence)?
William
Hi Colleen,
I am an Irish Citizen working and living in the US. I am 60 now and when I return to Ireland I will be 62. I am wondering if I am going to have to do the learner permit as I haven’t taken the Irish test ever? I have a full license for cars/trucks (pickup trucks) and Motorcycle. When I ship my goods back to Ireland in 2 years, I will import both. Just wondering.
Colleen
As a visitor you can use your US drivers licence, but if you plan to reside in Ireland, you would have to apply for your Irish drivers licence. Details on the application and assessment process can be found on the NDLS website.
Asya
Hi! I am a citizen of Belarus. My driving license is valid until 2025. In this regard, I have some questions and would be very grateful for your assistance.
Could you please tell me how long I can drive in Ireland with my Belarusian driving license before I need to get an Irish one?
Even if I obtain a Residence Permit, how long am I allowed to drive with my Belarusian driving license?
What will be the procedure for obtaining an Irish driving license for me as a citizen of Belarus?
Thank you in advance for your response!
Colleen
Hi Asya,
This website is not affiliated with the NLDS. You need to contact them directly for advice regarding your personal situation. Their FAQ page is also a helpful reference.
Asya
Thanks for the response, Colleen!
Chiemeka Okafor
Hi,Can I have my license registered to be posted so that I can personally pick it up at post office because mails are missing where I am living?
Colleen
This website is not affiliated with the NLDS. You need to contact them directly.
Carla
I have an Irish driving licence, but am currently in Australia, if I pass my trailer test in Australia is it possible to transfer that to my Irish license once I’m home, or will I have to do another trailer test
Thank you
Sebastian
Hi I own 4 years full Czech driving licence now im 1 year in Ireland and I need to change licence to Irish
Will the 4 years stayed on the new Irish licence or it will be like I am an amateur thanks
Bryn
Hi Sebastian, Czech Repulic is within the EEA. You do not need to have an Irish Driving License to drive in Ireland. You only need to apply for an Irish DL when your original Czech DL expires.
ricky
A couple in their 40’s and 50’s arrive 1 January. Cannot apply for an Irish License until the next 1 January. BUT They both become “illegal / uninsurable” after 12 months. Then they CANNOT drive alone or together without a 3rd party Licensed driver for a further Six months, after-which they apply for and get an Irish license?. This does not sound right.
Tony
Hi I am plan to move to Ireland from Spain, i have CE driving license issues by Spanish,I would like to know if I will need to exchange my Spanish drivers license to Irish driving license before getting has lorry driver in Ireland.
Tinashe Nyangari
Hello , may i know if i am allowed to drive in Ireland using an International Driving permit from Zimbabwe whilst i am waiting to process an Irish drivers license.
Tapiwa
Hie tinashe, I’m Tapiwa i would like to get intouch with you regarding information on how you went about obtaining irish driving license. I’m moving to ireland from zim soon in assuming you have already moved to ireland. My app number is +61 402 009 518
Nabeel
Hi Tinashe/Tapiwa, can you please update on how the license acquisition worked for you? Mainly keen to understand what Tinashe asked whether we can drive on International license whilst waiting for Irish licensing procedure to complete, which includes 6 months of wait time and EDT.
Nabeel
Secondly, can someone (preferably immigrant) share their experience of finding a 2 year license holder to accompany them whenever they want to drive for certain needs while holding a learner license?
Ninan Daniel
I have a valid UAE driving license and Indian driving license. I am planing to relocate to Ireland. Whether I can transfer any of the above driving license to Irish driving license. And please assist what all are the procedures,
Colleen
Hi Ninan Daniel
Please see the section above How to Exchange Your Foreign Drivers Licence for an Irish Drivers Licence which covers your questions and provides the links you need.
Neeraj Kumar
Hi
I have an Australian heavy truck license would that be exchanged from New South Wales.
Kate Arden
Hi I’m moving from UK to. Ireland will I keep my motorbike entitlement after passing.uk tests in 2018? I also tow a trailer on grandmas rights as I passed test in 1988 will I keep this entitlement? I cant find this information on their website and just spent 16 minutes on the phone with no other caller in front of me to the NDLS
Colleen
Hi Kate Arden, you should be able to just exchange it for an Irish one, but as I don’t work for the NDLS I can’t legally provide you advice. The NDLS website for exchanging a UK licence is here.
denis waters
I applied for the renewal of my UK D1 Minibus license in June and still waiting for the new License. The old one expired on 11th July and due to a backlog at DVLA I will have to wait a little longer. I have spoken with the DVLA people and was informed that I may drive in the UK under Section 88. I am hoping to drive to the Republic next week. I should add that I would be driving my private car only, and I note that this section of my License (B) expires in 2023. My question is ..will I be permitted to drive legally in The Republic of Ireland? Many thanks in advance
Colleen
Hi denis waters, I don’t work for DVLA so can’t provide you advice for this, you would need to refer to the local driving authorities for guidance.
Jim Gillespie
I live in South Africa and hold a HGV Licence. Can I exchange it for an Irish Licence if I move back to Ireland. I hold an Irish Passport
Mike B.
My wife and I, are both Irish citizens with California driver license’s (50 plus years) and intend to return to Ireland for good, next year. We’ve been in California since our teens and are both now 75 years old. Is it possible to get an Irish driver license at 76. We had intended to return in early 2020 but the pandemic changed our plans. I had heard that over 75 year old, could not get a driver license, is this true?. Is there a chance that because of the pandemic that a grace period is given ?.
If there was a grace period, what procedure’s are required. You say in this website that a U.S. citizen can drive for up to one year on a U.S. license after moving to Ireland. The big question is the age limit ?.Thanking you in advance
Colleen
Hi Mike B.
Here’s information on the NDLS website about the medical report form over 70’s need to complete.
Gbadamosi Adebimpe tolulopemi Ahmed
Greetings . I rightly reside in Nigeria , West Africa. My names are Gbadamosi Adebimpe Ahmed Tolulopemi and i speaks English Language with other local Languages . Basically , the whole essence of this is to begin my relocating paper works to Irish soil and i would love to seek your assistance in this area. The steps and the needed documents to begin such a move should be properly spelt out for me. Honestly speaking , have been driving here in my Country with few years of experiences but am willing to upgrade if the need be. I look forward to a quick response from you as regard how one can begin this journey to such a wonderful grace land. Thanks in anticipation.
Dragan Dajakovic
Hello,
I have applied for exchange of Croatian driving licence to Irish.
I just want to know will I still keep the A category for motorcycles from my Croatian driving licence?
Best regards,
Dragan Dajakovic
Erik
Hi Colleen,
I used to have a german driving license and planning to make an irish driving license. Do you know if I defo need to the 2 years period as a learner before getting the full driving license or is there a way to reduce it to 6 month?
Thanks a lot,
Erik
Colleen
Hi Erik,
As I don’t work for NDLS I am unable to provide you advice. I suggest you contact them directly to ensure you get the correct information for your personal circumstances.
BARBARA GONEOU
HALLO!
I m planning my relocation in Ireland.I come from Greece.What will I need?
Colleen
Hi Barbara Goneou, hopefully you will find all the information you need on this website. Otherwise let me know.
Sarah sheehan
Hi, I have a uk driving license which I will need to exchange for Irish one when I move there in 2021. How long can I use it for as I hope to get Irish passport then. What do I have to do now.
Colleen
The latest guidance based on the current Brexit updates is that you will have to exchange it as soon as you move to Ireland in 2021, as they will no longer be recognised in Ireland after 31 December 2020.
Olga Kelly
How do you exchange it if you’ve just arrived to Ireland. I used to have an Irish licence, but when it expired I changed to UK one as lived there. And now I’m back I need an Irish one. Can I not get insurance on UK while the Irish one is work in progress? Thanks
Colleen
Hi Olga Kelly,
Guidance on how you can exchange your UK drivers licence for an Irish one is on the NDLS website. They have an option to apply online. With regards to insurance coverage, you would need to check with your provider if they will provide cover for you. If not, you can try other insurers. Further information about Irish vehicle insurers can be found here.
Imtiaz
Hi,
Thanks for the article. That’s really helpful.
I am from Bangladesh and I have my own country driving license and an international driving permit from my own country (according to the 1949 convention). Can I drive in Ireland with this IDP?
I have applied for the L recently and I will sit for the exam soon. My query is, Can I drive alone in Ireland with my IDP after getting the L-license?
Colleen
You can see the full conditions of an Irish learners licence here. See under the ‘Accompaniment’ header for details – “must be accompanied by a qualified driver at all times while driving”.
Mohammad
Hi I have license of Lebanon i need exchange from Irish
Timmy F.
Hi Colleen , i am bringing my car to Ireland from the States with a US drivers licence . I plan to register it and get the proper insurance sorted upon my arrival. What isn’t clear from the lovely, lengthy 4 or 5 steps we must fulfill , is what happens to my driving ability with my US licence once the 12 months residency is fulfilled and i begin the process , if i need to drive my car before i get my full Irish licence ? I will still be able to do so until i relinquish my US licence which is the final step after i pass the Driving test ? There is no “down-time” or period where i will not be able to drive in the process ? I am will be alone , no children nor wife or girlfriend with a full Irish licence that will be experienced guide if i have “L” plates to drive with me.
Pity our two governments can’t sort an agreement to honour the licence. May need to have a word with Leo.
Cheers
Colleen
Yes, I think this must be frustrating not to be able to exchange your license. I was lucky in that regard.
You may qualify for a shorter Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme for foreign license holders. See the application and guidelines here.
As per the guidance on the NDLS website ‘once you obtain an Irish Learner Permit, this will take precedent over your full foreign driving licence and all rules & regulations pertaining to the holder of a learner permit applies / e.g., display of “L”plates, must be accompanied etc.’.
Mark A Bickham
Hi
I am moving to Ireland and have a US drivers license, I’m 55 years of age what steps will I have to take to get a full irish drivers license, btw Im an irish citizan
Colleen
Hi Mark A Bickham,
You need to follow the steps outlined in this post with the NDLS.
Maria da silva
Hi is Maria am move to Ireland to UK for 3year’s I have lrish drive licence i lost my drive licence in UK can came to Ireland to renew but I don’t have the address in Ireland it’s possible to give my address for UK
Colleen
Here is some information about renewing your Irish drivers licence. You will need to renew your licence in person and provide the list of documentation that is detailed on the website page. You have to provide proof of your address, and normally you must be normally resident in Ireland. You are considered to be normally resident in Ireland if, because of personal and occupational ties, you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year. You will need to contact the NDLS to see if there is anyway around this, but from what I can see it must be an Irish address.
Jennifer Keightley
Hi. I have a Canadian license (novice) and I am returning back to ireland. What license will I receive when I return home?
Colleen
You will likely get your Certificate of Competency, but you will need to contact NDLS to confirm this.
Fain Ferguson
I have an old UK drivers license that expired in 2011 (less than 10 yrs ago). We are moving to Ireland and want to know if I can still exchange this for an Irish License
Colleen
If you want to exchange your driving licence for an equivalent Irish driving licence, you must do so within 10 years of your driving licence expiring. You may also need to provide a letter of entitlement from the UK licensing authority. Please be aware that this may change with Brexit.
Sally
I am an Irish citizen living in the States but my husband & plan to move back to Ireland in the next year or two. He has an Irish license but I do not. I’ve read where you only have t take 6 lessons (instead of the mandatory 12 lessons) if you exchange your American license for the Irish license, do you get your American license back after you have passed your test?
Colleen
Yes you should only need to do the 6 tests rather than the 12. You will need to exchange your license for the Irish one.
Esther
Hi
I live in New York and intend to retire in Ireland. i was born in Ireland – I have an Irish passport and a PPN number
Can I hold onto my NY State license and have a full Irish Driving Licence?
Colleen
You have to exchange it I’m afraid. Please refer to the NDLS site for details of this exchange process.
Ane
Hi I have an Australian full license (incl. Trailer) from Victoria, I am trying to exchanged it for an Irish one and they are refusing to give me the trailer on the Irish one. What are my rights here? I have friends who had no problems doing the exact same thing?
Colleen
I’m not sure I understand what you are asking as on a standard B car licence you can tow a trailer. Guidance on the NDLS website ‘can I tow a trailer on a car licence’ https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html#can-i-tow-a-trailer-on-a-car-licence
More details here on category B on trailer size and weight limits.
nickerz
Kevin, thank you for your article.
I have a Jersey (Channel Islands) licence which I note can be exchanged, however Jersey is not part of the UK and is only part of the EEC for trade and movement of people. (I can obtain an international licence from Jersey to cover me for EU)
DO I HAVE to exchange my licence for an Irish one? (I am currently resident in Ireland and have been for for several years) I ask because the Jersey licence is my homeplace and I get to drive certain other vehicles with it that are not on the Irish licence.
Colleen
I believe Jersey is under the category of ‘recognised state’ which means you can drive in Ireland for up to 1 year when visiting, providing your licence is valid. But if you become normally resident in Ireland, you should exchange your driving licence or begin the process of applying for an Irish driving licence. You are considered to be normally resident in Ireland if, because of personal and occupational ties, you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.
To be absolutely sure, I suggest contacting the NDLS via their email or online contact form.
kevin cooney
i have a valid rhodesian driving licence accepted by gardai ireland.
i wish to exchange for irish driving licence.
please advise of procedures.
Colleen
Hi kevin cooney,
In this article under the heading ‘How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for an Irish Driving Licence’ I have listed the foreign driving licences which can be exchanged and then laid out the process for exchanging it in the accordion tabs (click on each of the + symbols to expand the section).
If you are not eligible, then the above article also outlines ‘How to Apply for an Irish Drivers Licence’ with the accordion tabs outlining the process.
If you need further information advice, then contact the National Driver License Service https://www.ndls.ie/index.php#