How to get a Driving Licence in Ireland

If you plan to be a permanent resident in Ireland, it is worth going through the driving process to get your Irish driving licence.

If you did not plan to reside in Ireland, I would forget about getting your driving licence.

Driver Theory Test - How can I pass my Driver Theory Test in Ireland?

You must pass a driver theory test relevant to the category of vehicle you wish to drive.

This test assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices.

You must answer 40 questions, and you can fail a maximum of 5 questions. You will pass the test if you answer a minimum of 35 questions.

You can download an official mobile learning app called “Official Car/Bike DTT Ireland” (costs €15) to prepare for the test or buy a book (approx €40) to learn about the theory test.

The cost of the driver theory test for a car or motorcycle is €45, and you can book it here https://theorytest.ie/book-your-theory-test/. If you do not get a minimum of 35 right questions, you must book another test and pay another €45.

Learner Permit - How can I get my Learner Permit in Ireland?

Before learning to drive, you must obtain a learner permit that 2024 costs €35.

To apply for a learner permit for a car (Category B), you must be at least 17 years old.

A learner permit is a document issued by Ireland’s National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS). It allows you to learn to drive on public roads, except motorways, to learn to drive.

First-time learner permit holders must hold their permit for at least six months before applying for a driving test.

To apply for a first-time learner permit online (approx. cost €35), you need the following:

• A Public Services Card (PSC).
• A verified MyGovID account.
• Proof of address dated within the last 6 months (if it differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC card).
• To have successfully passed the driver theory test in the last two years.
• To provide an eyesight report dated within 30 days (if required). Approx cost €35 at Specsavers.
• To provide a medical report dated within 30 days (if required).
• To prove that you are a resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.

Driving Lessons – How many EDT driving lessons you must do in Ireland

You must complete 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) sessions with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). It is usual to take one lesson per week.

The cost per session (one hour) is approx €50.

You can take the driving test after completing the 12 one-hour lessons and gaining enough driving experience.

While holding a learner permit, you can practice driving with a qualified driver with a full driving licence for at least two years. It would be best to display 'L' plates (for Learners) on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Driving Test - How do I book my driving test appointment in Ireland?

The test assesses your ability to drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions.

To apply for a driving test and add yourself to the waiting list, go to https://myroadsafety.rsa.ie/ (it will cost €85).

You must wait for your email invitation to book a test, which takes at least six months after finishing your driving lessons.

Once you receive your booking invitation, log in to https://myroadsafety.rsa.ie/ to select your test appointment. If you do not select your appointment, it expires after ten days.

Full Licence – How do I get a full licence in Ireland?

You will be issued a full driving licence if you pass your driving test.

As a novice driver, you will be subject to certain restrictions, such as lower alcohol limits and mandatory display of 'N' plates (for Novice) for two years.

Reduce Essential Driver Training (EDT) Programme for Foreign Licence Holders

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched a reduced EDT program in January 2019 specifically for drivers with a category B car licence from a country without a licence exchange agreement with Ireland.

Upon obtaining your first Irish learner permit, you must complete Essential Driver Training (EDT) before taking your driving test.

The standard EDT course consists of twelve one-hour sessions.

The reduced EDT programme includes only six one-hour sessions.

These sessions focus on teaching crucial driving skills and enhancing your knowledge and understanding of road safety in Ireland, ensuring you can continue to drive safely.

Who can apply to the Reduce Essential Driver Training programme?

Those currently possess a foreign driver's license from a country with which Ireland does not have a license exchange agreement.

Conditions to apply to reduce the EDT programme

• Before your Irish learner permit is issued, you must have held a valid foreign driving licence for at least two years.
• The licence should not have expired for more than six months as of the date your application form is received.
• You must be a resident of Ireland.
• It would be best to have an Irish learner permit.

How to apply to reduce the EDT programme

• Fill out the "Foreign Licence Holders Application Form for Reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) and Exemption from Six Months Waiting Period for Driving Test."
• Include your original foreign driving licence.
• Attach a Letter of Entitlement, which you need to obtain from the licensing authority that issued your foreign licence.
• Mail these documents to Reduced EDT, National Driver Licence Service, PO Box 858, Southside Delivery Office, Cork.

*The Application Form for Reduced EDT can be found at RSA and NDLS

* RSA-approved instructors are only authorized to provide the reduced Essential Driver Training programme. You can locate an ADI instructor here