Driver Licences

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Questions (361)

James Geoghegan

Question:

361. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport to review correspondence regarding a foreign driver's licence exchange (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30104/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, the legislation with which all member states must comply. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one member state to another.

In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, Ireland may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange. This is not a straightforward matter, and reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will. Agreements can be made only when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Hong Kong and therefore cannot recognise licences from Hong Kong for exchange purposes. There are no plans at present to consider such an agreement.

Question No. 362 answered with Question No. 335.