Expat Driving in Ireland, Ireland Expats Driving

Nationals of EU/EEA member countries are allowed to drive in Ireland on their existing licences, or exchange them for a full Irish licence without having to take an Irish driving test. Ireland also has reciprocal agreements with a number of other countries whose nationals who can use their own licences or exchange them for Irish licences in the same way. Do check with the relevant Irish transport authority if in doubt.

Non-EU/EEA nationals who are not covered by one of these agreements can drive in Ireland on their own valid licence for a period not exceeding 12 months, after which time they have to apply for an Irish licence and take a driving test.

Application forms for an Irish licence, and for exchange of a licence to an Irish one, are available from your local Motor Taxation Office, along with details of documentation required.

The fee for a driving licence is:

1 year licence EUR 5.
3 year licence EUR 15.
10 year licence EUR 25.
Licence up to age 70 (not more than 10 year) EUR 25.

No fee will apply where the applicant is 70 years of age or more on the commencement date of the licence.

Your application for a driving licence should in all cases include:

A completed application form (D. 401);

Two photographs (signed on reverse);

Your current or most recent driving licence and/or provisional licence;

The appropriate fee.

and, if required in certain cases:

A medical report;

A certificate of competency, if you have recently passed a driving test;

Declaration re lost/stolen licence. (Form D8 A);

Driver Theory Test Certificate.

See more information on the next page...