asked the Minister for the Environment if he will amend the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1964-1981, so that Irish citizens returning from the USA and who hold a current American driving licence will not have to undergo a driving test here.
Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.
953.
There is no general international agreement or convention which would provide a basis for the reciprocal recognition of driving licences between this country and the USA, as in the case of the EEC member states. Moreover, the USA authorities do not accord recognition to Irish driving licences in the case of persons taking up residence there. While short term visitors to this country are catered for under a system of international driving permits of long standing, the demand for Irish driving licences from persons transferring their residence to this country from the USA is not such, in my opinion, as to warrant any special licensing arrangements.