Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
44. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps to be taken to ensure a more rapid exchange of driver licences for all those retuning to Ireland from Canada as the process here can take up to four months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23097/24]
View answerThe exchange of foreign licences is managed through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). Currently, the average processing time for applications is 32 working days.
There are various reasons for possible delays in processing foreign licence exchanges. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application. The most common reason is that the NDLS is awaiting verification of the driving licence from the other driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but at others it can take a considerable amount of time.
Vigilance is needed when processing a licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.
