Driver Licences

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Ceisteanna (325)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

325. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport in respect of returning emigrants who wish to avail of a driving licence exchange, the reason, during the period of application process, it is not possible for the applicant to legally drive as their original licence is in the possession of the NDLS; whether he proposes measures that would provide such applicants who have been in possession of a valid and recognised driving licence, to continue to legally drive while the application is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15795/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

Once a holder of a non-EU/EEA driving licence becomes resident in Ireland, they can no longer use that licence and must obtain an Irish licence to drive here, either by exchange or by obtaining a licence through the normal process.

The time taken to process driving licence exchange applications can vary. The licence for exchange must be verified by the jurisdiction that issued it and completion of the process is dependent on the response time from the corresponding licensing authority.

The issuing of a temporary licence would still require verification of the original licence before it could be issued. Therefore, the time frame for issuing a new licence would not be shortened.