Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Driving Licence Recognition.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

315 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason a person who has obtained a full driving licence in another country must take a driving test here before being granted a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8689/00]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

317 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason driving licences issued in Brunei are not recognised in this country in view of the fact applicants there are required to undergo a written and practical test; if a person who has lived in Brunei and who held a full licence should be required to take out a provisional licence and undergo a driving test here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8739/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 317 together.

A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area is permitted to drive in Ireland for so long as that licence remains valid. Where such a person has taken up normal resi dence in Ireland, he or she may alternatively exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence without taking a driving test.

In addition, Australia, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa and South Korea are recognised states for the purpose of driving licence exchange under the terms of Article 30(7) of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999. Under these regulations, persons holding a valid driving licence from a recognised state may exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence where they take up residence here, without the need for a driving test. Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with Brunei for the exchange of driving licences.

Temporary visitors to Ireland who hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit may drive here for the duration of their visit. Persons taking up Irish residence must, however, either avail of the arrangements described above, where applicable, or begin the process of obtaining an Irish driving licence by securing a provisional driving licence.