IRISH DRIVER’S LICENSE

Learning to drive
A step by step guide to learning to drive, from passing your theory test to getting your full driving licence.

How to renew your driving licence
When your driving licence expires you must renew it if you still want to drive.

Applying for a driving licence
Driving licences are issued if you pass a driving test. Rules about driving licences, forms and how to apply.

Learner permits
It is a legal requirement to hold a learner driving permit before learning to drive a car or work vehicle on public roads in Ireland.

Updating your driving licence or learner permit
If you change your name or address, you can exchange your current driving licence or learner permit for an updated one

Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit
If your most recent driving licence or learner permit has been lost or stolen but is still valid, you can obtain a replacement.

Categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers
Motor vehicles in Ireland are divided into different categories for driver licensing purposes. Information is provide on categories of vehicles and the minimum age you need to be in order to legally drive them.

Converting your driving licence to an Irish driving licence
How to exchange a driving licence issued in another country for an Irish driving licence, including information on the fees and a list of recognised exchange countries.

International Driving Permit
An international driving permit allows you to drive in foreign countries without further tests or applications. Find out how to apply for a permit, the costs involved and those countries in which you can use your permit.

You may not know this, but there are 15 different types of driving licences and learner permits to choose from when driving in Ireland. What you probably do know is that you will need the appropriate driver’s licence before you can embrace the open road.

The regulations for each of the 15 licences are unique and cover a range of different types of vehicles. Some of the rules related to driving licences in Ireland are straightforward, while other regulations are a little more obscure in nature, but they all exist for good reason. If you plan on driving in Ireland, you need to make sure that you familiarise yourself with the driving licence that is most relevant to you as you will be required to carry it with you at all times while on the road.

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).