How to get a driving licence in Ireland

If you are just getting started or are a fully licenced driver from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland and are finding the whole process of how to get a driving licence in Ireland confusing, then this article will help to answer some of the most common questions people may have. Let’s start with learner drivers of which there are over 180,000 each year in Ireland. To start driver training you must have a valid learner permit.

To get a learner permit your first step is to get the official RSA driver theory test app from theorytest.ie. We recommend the app over the book as you will generally have it with you all the time, it is easy to use and gives you a true experience as to what to expect on theory test exam day. It is important to make sure you get the official Road Safety Authority app be careful not to pay for anything other than this as there are some third-party apps available for download which look quite similar.

Once you have studied the theory test content and feel fully prepared it’s time to book in for your theory test. You book your theory test through theorytest.ie at a cost of €45.00. Make sure you book in for the correct category as there are a number of options available. If you require additional support to complete the theory test you should refer to the section “Test Day Assistance Support” on the theorytest.ie website. To book and complete your theory test you must possess one of the following forms of identification:

• Public Services Card
• Passports (valid for international use only)
• Irish Passport Cards
• National Identity Card from EU/EEA Member States or Switzerland

Now that your theory test is out of the way its time to apply for your learner permit and you do this by visiting the NDLS website. You can complete your application online and there is no longer a need to attend in person. You will need the following to compete your application:

• A Public Services Cardand verified MyGovID.
• To have successfully passed the driver theory testin the category you are applying for in the previous 2 years
• Fully completed eyesight report formdated within one month, if required in your case.
• Fully completed medical report formdated within one month, if required in your case.
• Proof of your addressdated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC.
• Proof that you are normally resident in Irelandif your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
• Completed relevant driver certificate of professional competence (CPC), if required.
• Your application fee of €35.00. You can pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you are aged 70 years or over you are exempt from paying the fee.

Once you receive your learner permit it is time to start practicing your driving. All category B (Car) learner permit holders can only drive if they are accompanied by a fully licenced driver in the same category who has had their licence for over 2 years or with an RSA Approved Driving instructor. You can only complete your driving test once have held your learner permit for a minimum of 6 months and have completed the EDT essential driver training 12 sessions. You should be aware that completing the 12 Essential Driver Training sessions is generally not sufficient to get you test ready so make sure to budget for additional lessons to give yourself the best chance of passing the test first time.

Once you meet the criteria to complete your driving test you will need to book in with the RSA. Start by logging in to your MyGovID to register your details with the Road Safety Authority. If you have not already registered with MyGovID you will need to do so. Next you choose your category of vehicle to be tested in and remember to choose correctly as there are multiple options. Once you have chosen your category you will now scroll down to “book a driving test” before choosing your local test centre. If there are no available slots you should click on “join waiting list” and once a slot becomes available for your location the RSA will email you an invitation to book. 

If you are from outside Ireland and currently hold a full driving licence you can apply to have your licence exchanged. Driving licences issued by one of the 27 EU member states or from the EEA Iceland, Norway or Lichtenstein can apply for exchange. You can also apply for exchange if your licence was issued form any of the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada Limited to (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, Saskatchewan)
• Gibraltar
• Guernsey
• Isle of Man
• Japan
• Jersey
• South Africa
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• Taiwan
• UK

If your licence is not eligible for exchange, then you will need to go through the full process starting with the driver theory test however you will only be required to complete 6 Essential Driver Training sessions and not 12. You can also apply to reduce you wait time from the usual 6 months before being able to sit your driving test.

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