Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:382 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will grant recognition to driving licences issued by the Cayman Islands. [11356/01]
Written Answers - Driving Licences.
A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area 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 alternatively exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence without taking a driving test.
In addition, Australia, the 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. Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with the Cayman Islands for the exchange of driving licences.