Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
205. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the reason it is not possible to exchange a driving licence issued by the Canadian province of Nova Scotia for an Irish driving licence; if there are any plans to allow such exchanges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish driver licensing law operates in a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence, are all set at EU level. This allows Member States to recognise all EU-issued licences.
To establish a driving licence exchange agreement outside the EU/EEA, Ireland's licensing authority, the Road Safety Authority, must be satisfied that the licensing, testing and training systems and standards are equivalent. The Government's priority in these matters is to identify countries that may be a source of professional drivers (HGV or bus drivers), given the well documented shortages faced in Ireland and across the EU in these sectors.
Ireland currently has driving licence exchange agreements with 7 of the 10 provinces of Canada. I am informed by the Road Safety Authority that its technical team is currently reviewing Nova Scotia's licensing system.
