Applying For An Irish Driving License

How to Apply for an Irish Drivers Licence

If your driver’s licence is not from a country listed above, you may drive on your licence for 12 months. But after this period, you must apply for an Irish driving licence by completing the full Irish driver licensing procedure.

In order to apply for an Irish driving licence, you must:

Be 17 years of age, or, 16 years to drive a work vehicle.
Demonstrate that you are an Irish Resident
Reside in Ireland for at least 185 days per year
Have resided in Ireland for 12 months prior to undertaking the driver licence testing process
Have an Irish PPS number.

Tip

For further information and advice, head to the National Driver Licence Service website.

There are five steps that you must complete in order to achieve your full Irish drivers licence:

Step 1: Driver Theory Test (DTT)

There are different tests depending on which category of drivers licence you are applying for. For example, the category B car theory test consists of 40 questions of which 35 must be answered correctly within 45 minutes. Tests are normally done on a computer and can be taken in English or Irish.

To prepare for the test, study the approved DTT Revision material.

How to Book Your DTT

Go online to the DTT website and:

1. Choose the category of licence that you wish to be tested for
2. Provide the following documents (these documents must be taken with you to your DTT appointment)

Valid proof of identity
Evidence of your Irish PPS number
Two identical colour passport sized photos

3. Select the DTT centre that you wish to attend
4. Schedule your DTT time
5. Pay your DTT test fee.

Step 2: Learner Driving Permit

Once you have your theory test certificate, you can apply for a learner driving permit.

To apply for a learner driving permit, you need to make an appointment at the NDLS, which you can do online. If you go in without an appointment, then expect to be waiting a while.

What to Bring to Your NDLS Appointment

Completed Application Form for a Learners Permit D201
Photographic ID
Proof of your entitlement to residency
Evidence of your Irish PPS number
Evidence of your current address
Completed Eyesight Report Form D502
Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
Current or previous driving licence (if applicable).
Driver theory test certificate.
You will also need to pay the appropriate Learners Permit fee

What to Expect at Your NDLS Appointment

During your NDLS appointment, you will be asked to provide your documentation. They will then take your photograph and capture your signature digitally to print onto your new driver’s licence.

Once you have completed the application process and paid for your licence, you will be given a receipt. Your application will be sent to the Central Licensing Processing Unit (CLPU) and your new licence should be posted to you within five to eight working days.

Step 3: Essential Driver Training (EDT)

The EDT is a mandatory course that teaches fundamental driving skills. It consists of 12 one-hour lessons. You will also need an experienced driver to supervise your driving practice outside of these lessons. Your lessons and driving practice should be recorded on a specially issued logbook.

The fee for the EDT varies. To find an EDT instructor, visit the RSA website.

Important

Learner drivers must display their “L” plates while they are driving.
Learner drivers are not allowed to drive on motorways
Learner drivers must always be accompanied by a qualified driver (holders of a full driver’s licence for at least two years).

Step 4: Driving Test

Once you have completed your EDT and held your learner driving permit for at least six months, you may book your driving test on the Road Safety Authority website. Alternatively you can download a driving test application form or obtain a copy from any motor tax office. The test can be taken in English or Irish. It is recommended that the driving test be applied for well in advance as waiting times can be long.

When taking the driving test, the following are required:

Pay the necessary driving test fee
Your valid learner driving permit
Your EDT logbook
Evidence of your PPS
A roadworthy, registered, insured, motor taxed vehicle.
L-plates on both the front and rear of the car

What to Expect During Your Driving Test

There are two components to the test:

Technical check of vehicle: You must demonstrate how to do a technical check on the car (e.g. check tyres, lights, engine oil etc…)
Practical test: You will be asked to drive for approximately 30 minutes and to carry out manoeuvres such as, reversing around a corner, parking, hill start etc…

After the driving test has been successfully passed, you will be issued a certificate of competency which is valid for two years. You can use this Certificate of Competency to apply for your full driver’s license.