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 the licence for an Irish driving licence without taking a driving test.
There is a system of recognition of licences from non-EU countries for licence exchange, and licences from a number of countries are so recognised. Under this system, 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, however, have a bilateral agreement with New Zealand for the exchange of driving licences. For licence exchange purposes the licensing system of the country being recognised must meet EU standards as laid down in EU directives on driving licences.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the driver licensing system and is in consultation with the New Zealand authorities concerning recognition of New Zealand licences for licence exchange purposes. These discussions follow on from contacts which my Department had with New Zealand officials and I expect a positive early outcome.
Temporary visitors to Ireland who hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit may drive here for the duration of their visit. Persons taking up Irish residence must however either avail of the arrangements described above, where applicable, or begin the process of obtaining an Irish driving licence by undergoing the driver theory test and securing a provisional driving licence.