Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
227. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined licence exchange practices in other EU member states that unilaterally recognise non-EU licences; and if so, if he will publish that analysis and indicate the reason Ireland has not adopted a similar model. [31575/26]
View answerI 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 order to uphold these standards and ensure the safety of road users, it is vital that Ireland only exchange licences following a detailed examination of the relevant country's licensing and testing regime. Engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required in order to conduct such an examination, in addition, formal engagement is required with the other country during the licence exchange process itself in order to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements are utilised to ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
