Driving licence

When you pass a driving test in Ireland you are entitled to apply for a full driving licence, which can be obtained by post or in person.

While the Department of Transport and the Marine has overall responsibility for driver licensing, your local authority is a licensing authority and issue driving licences. Application forms and any other forms you may be required to submit with your application are available from the Motor Taxation Office of your local authority. Since 1 January, 2003 you are required to carry your full driving licence with you at all times when driving in Ireland.

On 27 March 2006 the European Commission approved the introduction of a single EU driving licence to replace those currently in use in the 25 member states. It is expected the new EU driving licence will come into effect by 2012 and the current driving licences issued by each member state will be phased out by 2032. The following information therefore explains the current situation regarding applying for or renewing a full driving licence in Ireland.

A full driving licence enables you to apply for categories of licence in which it is necessary to hold a full driving licence. A full licence will also reduce the cost of your motor insurance premium and permit you to drive in other countries.

You are entitled to apply for a driving licence if:

• You have recently passed a driving test
• You hold a driving licence that will expire within one month and you want to renew it
• You held a driving licence that expired less than 10 years ago and you want to renew it
• You hold a driving licence and you want to have an additional category of vehicles added to it and a driving test is not required or you are exchanging a current valid driving licence issued by another EU member state or another "recognised state".

If you have a full Irish driving licence, this driving licence is accepted for use or exchange in all other EU/EEA member states. If you are travelling outside of the EU/EEA and will be driving, you may require an international driving permit.

Rules

The period of time a licence is issued for depends on the age of the applicant. There are 4 age brackets that the period of a licence falls under.

• If you are under 60 years of age, you may apply for a three or ten-year licence.
• If you are older than 60 but younger than 67 years of age, you may apply for a three-year licence or a licence that will expire the day before your 70th birthday.
• If you are older than 67 but under 70 years of age, you may apply for a three-year licence.
• If you are over the age of 70, you will need a certification of fitness to drive by your doctor to apply for a three-year or one-year licence.
• If your full driving licence expired 10 years ago, then you must complete a Driver Theory Test. Following completion of your Driver Theory Test, you can only then apply for a provisional licence and you will have to re-sit your driving test again.

Categories of vehicles/Minimum age of driver

Motor vehicles in Ireland are divided into different categories for driver licensing purposes. This is a standard practice throughout the European Union. Ireland has 14 categories in total, ranging from motorcycles to agricultural vehicles. Read more about categories of vehicles and minimum ages of drivers here.

If I change address do I need to apply for a new full driving licence?

You are required to carry your driving licence with you at all times when driving in Ireland. You are required to show evidence of your licence if requested by An Garda Siochana. While you are not required by law to change your driving licence if you change address, it is advisable nonetheless. Contact your Motor Tax Office for more information (see 'Where to Apply' below). Exchanging your driving licence to amend the address is a free service.

Replacing a lost/stolen full driving licence

If your most recent full Irish driving licence has been lost or stolen but is still valid, you can obtain a replacement driving licence. You may also obtain a replacement full driving licence if your most recent licence has expired. Read more in the link above.

How to apply

You can obtain a copy of application form D.401 from your local Motor Taxation Office. Your completed application form should be returned to your local Motor Taxation Office and must include the following:

• Two identical passport-type photographs, with the reverse of both signed by you.
• Your current or most recently issued driving licence (if you hold or held one in the previous 10 years), or your current or most recently issued provisional licence (if you hold or held one in the previous five years).
• A medical report form D.501. You will need a completed medical report form if you are applying for a driving licence for categories C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED. You do not need this if you have previously provided a medical report, which is still applicable. A medical report is compulsory for any category if you will be 70 years of age or more on the first day of the period for which the licence is being issued, suffer from any of the disabilities or diseases listed on the D.401 form, suffer from epilepsy or alcoholism or regularly take drugs or medication that are likely to impair your ability to drive safely. A registered practitioner should carry out your medical examination and then complete the form. You must sign the Declaration on the medical report form in the presence of the registered medical practitioner.
• A Certificate of Competency (if you have recently passed a driving test).
• The appropriate fee. (Cheque, postal order, or bank draft payable to the local authority. You may pay the fee in cash if you are applying in person).

If you are exchanging a current full driving licence issued by another EU member state or issued by a designated "recognised state" for licence exchange purposes, you must also submit a D.900 declaration form, which is available from your local Motor Taxation Office. On this form, you must make a declaration that the licence you are surrendering is both valid and current.

Where To Apply

Questions in connection with your full Irish driving licence should be addressed to your local Motor Tax Office. Your nearest Motor Tax Office is based in your local authority.