Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
171. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport when the National Driver Licence Service will provide digital driving licences, as has been done in Australian states, France and currently being rolled out in the UK. [2520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of driving licences in Ireland is governed by a framework of EU legislation. The Driving Licence Directive establishes uniform driver training, testing and licensing standards across Europe, allowing member states to recognise all driving licences issued within the EU without compromising road safety. In line with the current Directive, a physical driving licence is required in Ireland.
The proposed fourth Driving Licence Directive, published in March 2023, provides for mobile (digital) driving licences. It aims to introduce an EU-wide digital licence, which is expected to become the default driving licence when rolled out. The Directive is yet to be finalised.
There has been a proposal, as part of the Government digital wallet project being developed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, to introduce a digital driving licence in Ireland ahead of the new Directive. My Department has advised that, as there is no provision in current EU legislation for a digital licence, an Irish digital licence would have no validity outside Ireland and would not be recognised in other member states. However, we remain fully supportive of the Government Digital Wallet initiative in the interim and hope that transport related credentials will be included in due course, once supported by appropriate domestic or EU legislation.
