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Expat Exchange - How to Get a Driver's License in Ireland
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Westport, Ireland


How to Get a Driver's License in Ireland

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Here's a primer on how to get your 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.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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Westport, Ireland

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