Vol. 521 No. 5
137 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the procedures to be followed by foreign nationals who are resident in Ireland, who hold full driving licences in their own countries and who wish to qualify for full driving licences here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17651/00]
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.
