Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
233. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person must be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence, even where they have passed an Irish driving test; if he will consider amending the rule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31643/26]
View answer234. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person must be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence even where they have passed an Irish driving test; if he will consider amending the rule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31644/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
I wish to advise that there is no requirement to be an Irish citizen to hold an Irish driving licence.
However, since 19 May 2025, a person must provide proof of a legal right to reside in the State, in order to apply for a Learner Permit or a Driving Licence, as laid out in regulation 54A of S.I. 537/2006 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers Regulations 2006, as amended by S.I. No. 193/2025 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
