How to Get a Driver's License in Ireland

Sometimes when you're new to a country a task like getting your driver's license can make you feel like you're 16 years old again trying to pass your driver's test. Here's an overview of the process of getting your driver's license in Ireland.

In Ireland, the driving requirements for foreigners depend on the country of their original driving license. If you are from an EU/EEA member state, you can drive in Ireland on your current driving license until it expires. After that, you will need to exchange it for an Irish driving license. If you are from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement (Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, and certain provinces of Canada), you can exchange your driving license for an Irish one within one year of becoming a resident in Ireland.

If you are from any other country, you can drive in Ireland on your foreign license for up to one year, but if you become a resident, you will need to apply for an Irish driving license. This will involve passing a driving theory test, taking driving lessons, and passing a driving test in Ireland. It's important to note that you cannot use an international driving permit instead of a foreign license.

As for regional differences, Ireland is a unitary state, meaning that the rules and regulations for driving are the same throughout the country. There are no separate requirements based on the city, state, or region in which you live.

CORNERSTONE Relocation
Connect

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

CORNERSTONE Relocation

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.