Vol. 577 No. 3
495 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the barriers persons (details supplied) are encountering applying for a driving permit, as they prepare to return from the United States; the avenues that are available to them to resolve the problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31202/03]
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 his or her 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.
In all other cases a person taking up normal residence in Ireland must undergo the driver theory test, obtain a provisional licence and pass the driving test in order to obtain a driving licence. Temporary visitors to Ireland who hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit may drive here for the duration of the visit.
