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Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (242)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

242. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the requirement for US citizens and returning Irish emigrants to sit a theory test and take driver lessons and a driver test within one year of living here will be extended by four months due to the Covid-19 restrictions on driver tests and lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15514/20]

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Written answers

It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence for up to a year under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors. A foreign licence holder who is resident in Ireland can exchange their licence for an Irish licence if there is a licence exchange agreement in place with the relevant country. Such a licence can be exchanged within one year of the expiry of the licence. This one year period is for exchange purposes only. Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the US. It is illegal to drive in Ireland without a valid licence.

Ireland cannot extend the validity of a driving licence issued by another licensing authority. The validity of a driving licence issued by another EU Member State, that has been extended by that Member State due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be recognised in Ireland.

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