Driver Licences

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Ceisteanna (233)

Ryan O'Meara

Ceist:

233. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport in the case of a HGV driver who comes to Ireland from South Africa on a work permit, the reason that their drivers licence must be validated twice by the same agencies; considering the licence is first validated during the work permit application process and approval for said work permit is contingent on positive approval; and considering that the same licence then must be validated again after the worker has arrived in Ireland so that they may secure an Irish driving licence; if this level of bureaucracy is necessary during the recruitment process of key workers during a labour shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13171/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

I can confirm that verification of a licence is not sought by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), where it was previously verified within six months of the driving licence exchange application as part of a work permit application.

I have been informed by the Road Safety Authority that applications for exchanges of South African driving licences are processed in a timely manner where a valid application is received.

There are various reasons for the time taken in processing licence exchange applications. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application. The most common reason for delays is where the NDLS is awaiting verification of the driving licence from the issuing driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.

Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remain the priorities in this matter.