Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
297. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if a person must carry out a driver test in Ireland in order to be in possession of both an Irish and UK driver licence following the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32010/21]
View answerA resident of Ireland with a UK driving licence can exchange their UK licence for an Irish licence if they wish to drive in Ireland. However, to do so they must surrender their UK licence.
If a person wishes to retain their UK licence, they must go through the normal process of obtaining an Irish licence. This involves passing the driver theory test, obtaining a learner permit, completing the essential driver training and passing a driving test. It should be noted, however, that under EU legislation, an EU driving licence, including an Irish driving licence, can only be held by a person who is resident in the issuing member state and not by a person who is resident in a third country such as the UK.
