Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
51. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the mechanism or fora of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union through which he plans to raise issues of reciprocal recognition of driving licences of third countries and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that Ireland will continue to raise the issue of reciprocal recognition of driving licences from third countries with our European partners, through a range of forums.
The Deputy may wish to note that the new Driving Licence Directive provides for agreements, made by the EU Commission on behalf of Member States, on the EU-wide recognition of EU licences issued in exchange for licences from specific third countries with a driver licensing and road safety framework similar to the EU.
This may only take place after the Commission, together with Member States, assesses and decides on a country-by-country basis which third countries meet these standards. This process is expected to commence from 2028/29 and, crucially, must have a technical review of the third country's driver licensing and testing standards to support it.
