Driving in Ireland 2024

DRIVING IN IRELAND

How to Apply for Driving Licence As a visitor to Ireland, you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year provided the driving licence is current and valid. However, on taking up 'normal residence' in Ireland you must either exchange your driving licence or apply for a driving licence in Ireland. You are normally resident in Ireland if, because of personal and occupational ties, you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year. Ireland has agreements with certain countries/states that designates them as recognised states for the purposes of driving licence exchange. We are engaging with several countries/states to increase this list. You can view a list of recognised states HERE . On taking up residence you should apply for an Irish driving licence but if you cannot exchange your foreign licence, you will need to go through the ‘learning to drive’ process. Please note that, once you obtain an Irish learner permit, this will take precedence over your full foreign driving licence and all rules and regulations pertaining to the holder of a learner permit applies (e.g., display of “L” plates, must be accompanied etc.) 1. You must first pass a driver theory test . You can book your theory test HERE . 2. Apply for a learner permit online HERE , alternatively you can attend the office in person by booking an appointment HERE . Please make sure you have all the required documentation for your application, which is listed HERE . 3. Complete a course of Essential Driver Training (EDT) . On 21 January 2019 the RSA introduced a reduced EDT programme for foreign licence holders that cannot exchange their licence in Ireland. These drivers can apply to avail of reduced EDT , where they are now required to undertake a minimum of six rather than twelve driving lessons. They can also apply to be exempt from the usual six-month waiting period before first time learner permit holders can sit a driving test. 4. Book your Driving test HERE by following the RSA steps. 5. If you pass your driving test , you can then apply for a full Irish driving licence HERE . It is an offence to drive without a licence : At any point in time, a Garda can ask you to produce your driving licence for inspection. If you do not have your driving licence with you, you must bring it to a Garda station for inspection within 10 days. The law states that, whilst you are driving on a learner permit, a fully licensed driver must always accompany you, regardless of circumstance. This also applies when you are travelling to and from your driving test, even if you have passed the test. Penalties If you are stopped by Gardaí whilst driving unaccompanied on a learner permit: • If you are the vehicle owner, you could incur up to four penalty points and face a fine of up to €120 as well as having your vehicle impounded. • If you are not the vehicle owner, the owner may face a fine of up to €1,000 and have their vehicle impounded.

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A member of the Garda Síochána may arrest, without warrant, if: (a) a person produces a driving licence to the member but refuses or fails to permit the member to read it, or, (b) a person who, when their name and address is lawfully demanded of them, refuses, or fails to give to the member their name and address or gives to the member a name or address which the member believes to be false. Important note about Insurance relating to driving licence held: When applying for motor insurance in Ireland the provider will ask you for a lot of information about driving licence held, driving history and about the vehicle. Should any information which is provided to the insurance be in any way inaccurate this can invalidate the insurance. Similarly, if any incident occurs and the driver is not driving legally (for example, if someone with only a driving permit has an accident while driving without an accompanying full licence holder), the insurance can be invalidated meaning no cover would be provided. Helpful Information on Rules of the Road General Information - In the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland always remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Signposts and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. Distance signposts and speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometres. In Northern Ireland signposts and speed limits are all in miles. Visitors to Ireland must have in their possession a valid national driving licence to hire a car and carry it with them at all times while touring. Seatbelts must be worn at all times in the front and back of the vehicle. There are very strict laws on drinking and driving and the best advice is simply don’t drink and drive. Don’t park in unsuitable areas and never leave valuables on view in the car. Safety / Rules of the Road - It is the client’s responsibility to drive carefully on the road. Please remember that rural roads in the Irish countryside can be quite narrow. Slow down, take care and abide by the local laws. To familiarize yourself with the rules of the roads in Ireland visit Rules of the Road and for tips on driving in Ireland please see the Road Safety Authority website. Motorway Tolls - The number of tolled roads in Ireland has gradually increased in the past few years. Motorway tolls generally cost between €1.90 and €5.10 and are payable by the renter at the tolling booth with the exception being Dublin’s M50 barrier free tolling. Road Traffic Fines - Ireland is no different to any other country, if you park in restricted areas, you may be fined, and/or the vehicle towed away. Renters are fully responsible for payment of Parking fines, clamping charges and all Road Traffic fines. Disclaimer: The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation and/or opinion. Neither Dwellworks nor any of its subsidiaries make any representations, express or implied as to the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Dwellworks expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in such information. Information subject to change.

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v. 2024