Transportation

You can exchange your licence if it was issued by an EU or EEA country. If you want to exchange your EU or EEA licence, you must do so within 10 years of its expiry date. You can also exchange a UK licence.

A Recognised State driving licence may be exchanged up to a maximum of one year after it expires. After this period, applicants will need to apply for a learner permit.

If your licence was issued by a country that is outside the EU or EEA, you can apply to exchange it for an Irish licence if your licence was issued by a Recognised State for Exchange. Please see the National Driving Licence Service - List of Recognised States for Exchange 

Applying online

You can apply to exchange your licence online. You will require a MyGov ID account. Online application - How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence - National Driver Licence Service (ndls.ie) 

Applying in person

You can apply in person to one of the of the NDLS centres. You must make an appointment. Book an Appointment - National Driver Licence Service 

Sometimes, the NDLS may need to contact the country that issued your driving licence. If so, it might take a little longer before they can give you a driving licence in Ireland.

On taking up residence you should apply for an Irish driving licence but if you cannot exchange your foreign licence, you will need to go through the ‘learning to drive’ process.

• You must first pass a RSA Driver Theory Test ,
• apply for a First Time Learner Permit ,
• complete a course of Essential Driver Training (EDT), and,
• pass your driving test in Ireland.

On 21 January 2019, the RSA introduced a reduced EDT programme for foreign licence holders that cannot exchange their licence in Ireland. These drivers can apply to avail of reduced EDT , where they are now required to undertake a minimum of six rather than twelve driving lessons. They can also apply to be exempted from the usual six-month waiting period before first time learner permit holders can sit a driving test.

If you pass your driving test , you can then apply for a full Irish driving licence. Please see requirements on how to apply for a Full Driver Licence 

More information at;

Foreign driving licences in Ireland (citizensinformation.ie) 

How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence - National Driver Licence Service (ndls.ie)