Cathy Bennett
Ceist:128. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his efforts to simplify the process for returning emigrants to exchange US driver licences. [46019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 June 2026
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. Driving licence formats, vehicle categories and driving test standards are all set at EU level. As all Member States test drivers to the same standard, there can be a mutual recognition of licences for exchange purposes amongst EU member states.
Someone who is resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU licence to drive a vehicle on public roads here. Ireland provides two pathways for holders of third-country licences to gain Irish licences: direct exchange. where a bilateral agreement exists, or a streamlined process for experienced drivers (holding a licence for 2 years or more), including reduced mandatory training and no 6-month waiting period for a driving test.
It is Government and EU policy to reduce road death and injuries. Given road fatality increases, it is vital that Ireland only allows licence exchanges following a detailed examination of the other country's licensing and testing regime. Engagement with the relevant licensing authority is required to conduct such an examination and also during the licence exchange process to verify the licence. Bilateral agreements ensure that both of these steps may be undertaken effectively.
Reaching a bilateral agreement is not a straightforward matter or a matter of political will. The core principle when reaching an agreement with another jurisdiction is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users.
In reaching a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence compatible with our own. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible, no matter how desirable that may be. For Ireland, rom the Irish side, the task of comparing licensing regimes falls to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
One of the Programme for Government 2025 commitments is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a process under way at present with Nova Scotia.
Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether or not to enter into exchange agreements. These states were chosen as the initial states to examine as they have the largest Irish born populations.
As Minister, I cannot intervene or comment on review proceedings while they are ongoing. This is an independent technical assessment by the licensing agencies involved and must be free from any political inference. Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.
The new EU Driving Licence Directive, 2025/2205, allows the European Commission to enter into EU-wide licence exchange agreements on behalf of member states. This process is expected to commence by 2029 and will provide an alternative pathway to pursuing licence exchange arrangements with non-EU jurisdictions.