If you want to drive in Ireland you need to have a driving license or a learner’s permit. Both these documents are issued by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), The licenses issued for various vehicles are related to the age of the driver and each vehicle type has a certain age-limit set for the drivers. Visit https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/motoring_1/driver_licensing/categories_of_motor_vehicles_and_minimum_age_of_drivers_in_ireland.html for the various categories. getting an Irish Driving License
Driving licence validity in Ireland
Driving licences for the lower categories i.e. cars and motorcycles are valid for ten years or for a specified period based on the age of the applicant as detailed below:
- If the applicant is under 60, he/she can apply for a 10 year licence
- If the applicant is between the ages of 60 and 66, he/she can apply a licence that will expire when they reach the age of 70
- If the applicant is between the ages of 67 and 69, he/she can apply for a 3-year licence,
- If the applicant is 70 years of age or over, he/she can apply for either a 3 year or a 1 year licence (subject to certification of fitness to drive by a doctor)
- However, for those driving trucks and/or buses the validity period of the licence for those categories is five years.
- If you hold a driving licence for life (i.e. one that remains administratively valid for an unlimited period) that was issued by another EU country, you will not have to renew the licence after changing your usual place of residence.
Learner permits are valid for a period of two years.
Non-EU driving licences – exchange
As a visitor to Ireland you can drive with a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to a 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.
Please note: Applications to exchange a licence may take 2/3 months to process due to the need to contact the original licensing authority.
If you have previously exchanged a non-EU driving licence for an EU licence in another EU country, you can use it in Ireland.
Since 2002, Ireland, like other EU states, has operated a penalty points system for driving offenses. If a driver accrues 12 points, their license is revoked for (at least) 6 months. getting an Irish Driving License