There are two types of driver’s licenses in Ireland. The first is the provisional license, what you get once you have passed your Driving Theory tests. Drivers with provisional licenses must be accompanied by and under the supervision of someone with a current full driving license for the relevant vehicle category. The only exception to this is where the driver holds a second provisional driving license to drive a car. There is an exception for motorists driving a vehicle in the following categories A, A1, M, W. Remember that you are not allowed to drive in other countries, on motorways and you have to display L-plates while you hold a provisional license.

Once you have the provisional license, you can apply for a driving test. A driving test is a compulsory requirement for motorists who have been issued with two 2-year provisional driving licenses. It is important to be aware that you may not apply for a third or subsequent provisional license for any category of vehicle unless you undergo a driving test. Waiting times vary from county to county; so it is advisable to apply for a test about 10 months before your second provisional license is due to expire. It is a standard test and all test centers use the same testing procedures.

Upon successful completion of the driving test, you are entitled to receive a Full Drivers License. A full license will also reduce the cost of your motor insurance premium and permit you to drive in other countries and on motorways.

Therefore, the logical order of getting a Full Irish drivers license is:

1.    Successful completion of Driver’s Theory test
2.    Apply for a Provisional License
3.    Start practicing
4.    Apply for a Driving test ( do that in time as you may experience 10-12 months waiting until you are able to take this test because of the heavily overloaded test centers )
5.    Successful completion of the driving test
6.    Apply for a Full Irish License


If you already hold a full driving license from an other EU country, you can easily exchange that to a full Irish driver’s license.

Ireland also has agreements with certain other countries/States, which means that if you are coming to Ireland to take up residence you can exchange your driving license for a full Irish driving license, and you will not need to do a driving test. A full list of these countries and States is also outlined below.

     Australia
     Gibraltar
     Isle of Man
     Japan
     Jersey
     South Africa
     South Korea
     Switzerland

For more information on driver’s licenses please visit:

Driver Theory test
Provisional License
Driving test
Full Drivers license
Exchanging your current license
http://www.irishmotoring.ie