Driver Licences

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Ceisteanna (375)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

375. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider introducing interim measures for persons who previously held an Irish driving licence, subsequently exchanged it for a foreign licence while residing abroad, and have since returned to the State and applied to exchange their licence back to an Irish driving licence; given that the current processing time for such exchanges can be up to three months, during which applicants may be unable to obtain motor insurance or access a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30320/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Department has no plans to issue interim driving licences. The RSA previously considered the introduction of interim licences, but concluded that this would only further delay a licence exchange application as verification of the non-EU driving licence would still have to be undertaken.

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 jurisdiction in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.