Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

352 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Transport his views on the anomalous situation regarding exchange arrangements for driving licences between different states and countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

Irish driving licence regulations are required to operate within the framework of a harmonised EU system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes which meet the requirements of the EU directive and reciprocal recognition of Irish licences.

A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, which 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, 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 when they take up residence here, without the need for a driving test.