Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
193. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made by his Department or the RSA for additional driving licence exchange arrangements with other jurisdictions; the impact that this could have on driving test waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has licence exchange agreements with a number of countries and the Road Safety Authority, which oversees these agreements, is engaging with several other countries with a view to progressing further agreements. Such agreements can be made only when the authorities in both jurisdictions have studied and compared the licensing regimes and each side is satisfied that they are compatible.
Due to the shortage of professional drivers in Ireland and across the EU, Ministerial policy is to give priority to consideration of driving licence exchange agreements with suitable countries that are likely to be a source of drivers who would like to work professionally in Ireland.
When a foreign licence is exchanged for an Irish licence, there is no requirement to sit a driving test, so this should not affect test waiting times.
