IRELAND: Do you know? Once you have an "Irish Learner" permit, it will revoke your overseas driving license in Ireland.

Do you know?

Once you have an "Irish Learner" permit, it will revoke your overseas driving license in Ireland.

If you hold a valid and current national driving licence from a non-EU country or non-recognised state, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit (up to 12 months), (for example, if you hold a valid current licence from the United States), and you hold an international driving permit from your own country, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit (up to 12 months).

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. You must first pass a driver theory test, apply for a learner permit, complete a course of Essential Driver Training (EDT) and pass your driving test in Ireland.

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 exempted from the usual six month waiting period before first time learner permit holders can sit a driving test.

If you pass your driving test, you can then apply for a full Irish driving licence. Please see requirements on how to apply for a first time Learner Permit.

Please note: 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., For more information on reduced EDT program please click below and for an application form to apply for reduced EDT and exemption of 6 months waiting period.

You can apply for a driving test as follows:

• Apply online
• Download application form in English (PDF) or Irish (PDF) and send via post

In Ireland you must hold a Learner Permit for six months before applying for your test however a holder of a current full driving licence in the same category from another country (jurisdiction) for more than six months may apply for exemption from this requirement.

USEFUL LINKS 👇

• CLICK HERE 👉 Reduced EDT programme (for foreign licence holders that cannot exchange their licence in Ireland)
• CLICK HERE👉 First time Learner Permit
• CLICK HERE👉 Driver theory test
• CLICK HERE👉Exchange My Foreign Driving Licence
• CLICK HERE👉Apply for exemption 

READERS TIPS: "Let me add one more thing ...

If you get an Irish learner permit, call the insurance company and update before getting the full license, the insurance amount will be more than double the amount you get from the Indian license. Then when you get a full license, when you update it, the subsequent amount will decrease.

(From the experience of more than € 150 when I went with the Learner's license and updated with the misconception that the Indian license had six months to become one year, insurance would be reduced) "

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