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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

How to Book Your Appointment at the NDLS

What to Bring to Your NDLS Appointment

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.

Essential driver licensing requirements for #driving in #Ireland. #travel
The Irish drivers licence is plastic, the size of a credit card and has a microchip.

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.
Tip

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

  1. Completed Application Form for a Learners Permit D201
  2. Photographic ID
  3. Proof of your entitlement to residency
  4. Evidence of your Irish PPS number
  5. Evidence of your current address
  6. Completed Eyesight Report Form D502
  7. Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
  8. Current or previous driving licence (if applicable).
  9. Driver theory test certificate.
  10. 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.

Important
  • 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:

  1. Technical check of vehicle: You must demonstrate how to do a technical check on the car (e.g. check tyres, lights, engine oil etc…)
  2. 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

Important
  • You must display “N” plates while driving for a period of two years after receiving your full Irish drivers licence.

57 Responses

  1. 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!

  2. 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?

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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?

  8. 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,

  9. Neeraj Kumar

    Hi

    I have an Australian heavy truck license would that be exchanged from New South Wales.

  10. 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

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. 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

  16. 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.

  17. BARBARA GONEOU

    HALLO!
    I m planning my relocation in Ireland.I come from Greece.What will I need?

  18. 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.

  19. 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?

  20. 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.’.

  21. 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

  22. 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.

  23. 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?

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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?

  27. 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?

  28. 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.

  29. 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#

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