Vol. 566 No. 4
220 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to a person in Baltinglass who is from Kosovo who has a full driving licence in Kosovo but is now living here and wishes to drive; if they need to apply for an Irish driving licence; if, under the UN, they can use their licence to drive here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13110/03]
A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area – includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – is permitted to drive in Ireland for so long as that licence remains valid. Where such a person has taken up normal residence in Ireland, he or she may 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.
In all other cases a person taking up normal residence in Ireland must undergo the driver theory test, obtain a provisional licence and pass the driving test in order to obtain a driving licence.
