Frequently Asked Questions - National Driver Licence Service

What type of application can I make online?

Our new online service caters for all application types, you can apply online for:

first-time learner permit or full licence
renewing your driving licence or learner permit
updating personal details
replacement of a lost/stolen or damaged licence or permit
exchanging your foreign licence for an Irish licence

Applying online is a simple, straightforward process, no need to book an appointment or attend an NDLS centre. Save time and do it the smart way Apply Online today.

What do I need to apply online?

I don’t have a Public Services Card, can I get a verified MyGovID?

How long does it take to apply online?

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to apply online.

If you have to submit any supporting documents it will be easier if you have them saved to your phone or pc beforehand so that you can upload them during the application process. If you haven’t got them to hand, don’t worry you can save your application and come back later to complete (within 20 days).

I have a medical condition, how will I submit my medical report form?

I am applying for a first time learner permit, will I need to upload my driver theory test certificate?

I am applying for a first time learner permit, how will I submit my eyesight report?

I am applying for a first time driving licence, will I need to upload my certificate of competency?

Will I need to submit additional supporting documentation?

In some cases you may need supporting documentation depending on your application type and circumstance. You will be prompted during the online application process if there is any additional documentation required.

Alternatively you can check if you need supporting documents by selecting the licence or permit application type you are applying for from the menu bar of the website www.ndls.ie and you will see a checklist of what is required.

I am having technical difficulties applying online?

Extension of Validity of Driving Licences and Learner Permits

Driving Licences

Has the validity period of driving licences been extended?

All driving licences not already renewed that expired from 01 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended by 13 months in total OR to 01 July 2021 whichever date is latest.

Driving licences not already renewed that expire from 01 September 2020 to 31 October 2021 will be automatically extended by 10 months in total.

You do not need to do anything to avail of the extension of the expiry date as your driver record will be automatically updated. A new driving licence will not be issued to you.

You can check the expiry date and earliest renewal date of your current licence on our expiry date calculator here.

I have already applied to the NDLS for my driving licence and it expired or will expire within the dates to which the extension applies what happens to my application?

The extension to the expiry dates, announced on 2 July will be applied to the driver record database by the 4 July 2021 any current application, affected by the extension, with the NDLS before that date will be processed in the normal way and you will receive your licence renewed for one, three, five or ten years depending on the application type.

If your application is not processed before 4 July and the expiry date of your licence is extended, a new licence will not issue to you as your driver record will be automatically updated with your new expiry date. In these cases your original documents and application fee will be returned to you and your application form itself will be destroyed.

If the expiry date of my driving licence is extended when can I apply to renew it?

Learner Permits

Has the validity period of learner permits been extended?

Learner permits expiring or expired between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021 are extended by 10 months. This is in addition to previous extensions granted.

Therefore,

Learner permits that expired between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 that were previously extended by 8 months are automatically extended by a further 10 months, so 18 months in total.
Learner permits that expired between 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2020 that were previously extended by 4 months are automatically extended by a further 10 months, so 14 months in total.
Learner permits that expired or will expire between 1 November 2020 and 31 July 2021 are automatically extended for 10 months.

By way of example of the above, where the date of expiry on the physical learner permit, which can be seen at opposite number 4b on the permit shows

5 March 2020, the new expiry date is 5 September 2021.
5 July 2020, the new expiry date is 5 September 2021.
5 December 2020, the new expiry date is 5 October 2021.

Do I need to do anything to avail of the extension period?

I have an appointment to renew my learner permit, what should I do?

General Queries on Licence/Permit Extension

I have already booked an appointment with an NDLS office to renew my driving licence/learner permit and the new extended expiry date is more than three months away. Can I renew?

No, if the extended expiry date is more than three months away, you will not be able to renew. A driving licence/permit can only be renewed within three months of its expiry date. Please cancel the appointment here to make it available for others that need it.

My driving licence/learner permit is due for renewal, can I renew online?

Yes, you can now apply online for first-time applications, renewal applications, foreign licence exchange, change of personal details or replacement of a lost/stolen or damaged licence or permit.

All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID to apply online.

If you already have a verified MyGovID account you can Apply Now

If you do not have a verified MyGovID account: It is simple to set up. You just need to visit www.mygovid.ie to set up your verified MyGovID account.

I don’t have a Public Services Card, can I get a verified MyGovID?

My driving licence is valid for another five years; however, my bus/truck categories are expiring, were the expiry dates of those extended?

If categories on your licence (including bus or truck categories) expire from the 1 March to 31 August 2020 those categories will be automatically extended by thirteen months OR to 01 July 2021 whichever is the latest.

If the categories on your licence expire from 01 September 2020 to 31 October 2021, those categories will be automatically extended by 10 months in total.

I have penalty points on my record and my driving licence/learner permit is about to expire, will my penalty points count down for the period of extension as it states you must have a current licence for them to count down?

I have penalty points on my record and my driving licence/learner permit is about to expire, will my penalty points count down for the period of extension as it states you must have a current licence for them to count down?

Yes, penalty points will continue to count down during a period where the expiry date on your driving licence / learner permit is extended.

A number of extensions have been applied to the expiry dates of both driving licences and learner permits since 01 March 2020. To check your licence / permit expiry date (not the penalty point expiry date) use our expiry date calculator

I am currently serving a penalty point disqualification and my driving licence/learner permit is about to expire, will it count down for that period as it states you must have a current licence for a penalty point disqualification to count down?

I am currently serving a penalty point disqualification and my driving licence/learner permit is about to expire, will it count down for that period as it states you must have a current licence for a penalty point disqualification to count down?

Yes, your penalty points disqualification will continue to count down during a period where the expiry date on your driving licence/ learner permit is extended. It is important to note that you remain disqualified from driving until the period of disqualification has expired.

My driving licence expired (between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2021) and I received a penalty point notification of disqualification (within above dates) to advise the disqualification would commence on first holding of a new licence. Does the extension change this?

My driving licence expired (between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2021) and I received a penalty point notification of disqualification (within above dates) to advise the disqualification would commence on first holding of a new licence. Does the extension change this?

Yes, the disqualification will now commence 28 days after issue of the penalty point notification as your driving licence is valid for an extended period. If you have not served the penalty point disqualification within this period of extension, you will need to renew your driving licence for the disqualification to count down and expire. An expiry notification will issue once the penalty point disqualification has expired.

My driving licence/learner permit was extended under the new rules – will my insurance company recognise this?

If I am stopped by the gardai and show an expired driving licence/learner permit, can they charge me with an offence of driving without a driving licence/permit, where it qualified for an extension due to the change in legislation?

If I am stopped by the gardai and show an expired driving licence/learner permit, can they charge me with an offence of driving without a driving licence/permit, where it qualified for an extension due to the change in legislation?

The Gardai were advised of the change in legislation in relation to the extensions given on learner permits and driving licences. The driver record, the National Vehicle Driver File has been updated to reflect the change in expiry date where applicable.

Can I drive a truck for commercial use and travel across the EU with the expired licence where it qualified for an extension due to the change in legislation?

EU countries will recognise a driving licence whose period of validity has expired up to the end of the extension period granted by the issuing Member State. It should be noted that various other EU countries also undertook measures around the extension of validity periods. Responsibility for ensuring the validity of your driving licence is that of every individual driver. Please check the expiry date and earliest renewal date of your driving licence on our expiry date calculator here and renew as required.

I am over 70 years of age and need to apply for a licence, will I need to submit a medical report?

If I hold a learner permit, will rules be relaxed during the Covid-19 outbreak so that I can drive unaccompanied?

No. It is important to clarify that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver.

Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision. Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by An Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.

Road safety remains paramount, and even more so during current circumstances. There are serious concerns about the additional pressure road crashes place on first responders and emergency department health care workers who need to focus on dealing with the current Covid-19 pandemic. It is therefore vital that road safety measures that are there to protect learner drivers remain in place.

The Department of Transport, and the RSA recognise the difficulty some individuals may have in making alternative arrangements; however, it is preferable to putting him or her at a risk. It is also worth noting that some people have suggested a relaxation of the learner rules for medical staff, but the risk to safety may be more acute for medical staff under severe pressure, given the added risks of driver fatigue.

The information I am looking for is not provided here, where can I get further information?

Covid-19 Safety Measures for NDLS centres

Are all NDLS offices open?

Can I walk in to an NDLS centre to make an application for a driving licence or learner permit or do I need to make an appointment to attend an NDLS centre to make an application?

Due to public health measures in place to tackle the spread of the Covid-19, walk-in appointments are no longer available. Booking an appointment is required in order to attend an NDLS centre. You must book an appointment here.

When I attend an NDLS centre to make an application can I pay my application fee in cash or do I have to use a credit or debit card?

What measures have been implemented in the NDLS centres to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19?

NDLS centres have been assessed and measures have been put in place to align with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocols. Appropriate signage, sanitation and handwashing, and social distancing measures such as reduced seating in waiting areas and customer touchpoint cleansing have been introduced. Customers will be accompanied into and out of centres and required to adhere to necessary health and safety guidelines.

I am not feeling well and may have symptoms of Covid-19. I have an appointment booked to attend an NDLS centre. Can I attend?

What are the arrangements about wearing a face mask or gloves when attending an NDLS centre?

In line with Government guidelines, from 10th August 2020, face coverings are mandatory in shops and shopping centres across the country. You will be required to wear a face covering in an NDLS centre.

Face masks/covering, or gloves will not be provided in the NDLS centre. Please be aware that you will be asked to safely remove the face covering for the purposes of authentication and the taking of your photograph.

I tested positive for Covid-19 and I recently attended an NDLS centre, who do I need to inform?

My driving licence is due for renewal, when can I renew?

Note that the validity period of a driving licence that expired from the 1st of March 2020 to the 31st of August 2020 will automatically be extended by thirteen months in total OR to 01 July whichever date is latest.

If your driving licence expires from 01 September 2020 to 30 June 2021 the validity period will be automatically extended by 10 months in total.

You can check the expiry date and earliest renewal date of your driving licence on our expiry calculator here

Further information on the extension rules can be found here

NOTE: You can only apply for a renewal of your driving licence if it is within 3 months of its new expiry date.

My learner permit is due for renewal, when can I renew?

Note that the validity period of a learner permit that expired between 1 March and 30 June, 2020 was extended by eight months. Learner permits that expired between 1 July and 31 October 2020 were extended by four months.

You do not need to do anything to avail of the extension of the expiry date as your driver record will be automatically updated. A new learner permit will not be issued to you.

You can check the expiry date and earliest renewal date of your learner permit on our expiry calculator here

Further information on the extension rules can be found here.

NOTE: You can only apply for a renewal of your driving licence if it is within 3 months of its new expiry date.

Can I apply for or renew my driving licence/learner permit without attending an NDLS centre?

Yes, you can now apply online for first-time applications, renewal applications, foreign licence exchange, change of personal details or replacement of a lost/stolen or damaged licence or permit.

All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID to apply online.

If you already have a verified MyGovID account you can Apply Now

If you don’t have a verified MyGovID account: It is simple to set up. You just need to visit www.mygovid.ie to set up your verified MyGovID account

I don’t have a Public Services Card, can I get a verified MyGovID?

The information I am looking for is not provided here, where can I get further information?

Brexit and Driving Licences

I live in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence. Can I continue to drive on this licence in Ireland after Brexit?

No. From the 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged.

UK/N.I licence holders resident in Ireland can exchange their licence for an Irish licence provided the licence being exchanged is valid for exchange and is not expired for more than 1 year.

How do I exchange my UK/NI driving licence?

You can now apply online to exchange your UK/N.I licence if you have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID. For further details click here.

Alternatively, you can apply in person at an NDLS Centre. You must book an appointment here to attend any of our 36 NDLS centres. For further details on what you need to bring to your appointment click here.

If you are submitting a Letter of Entitlement instead of a lost or expired licence you may be required to provide further verification from the DVA Coleraine for NI licences. If you hold a UK licence you will be contacted by the NDLS to provide a check code so your licence details can be verified. Learn more about sharing your driving licence details here.

Will I be able to exchange my UK/NI licence after 31 December 2020 when the UK/NI have left the EU?

Am I licensed to drive while my licence has been sent for exchange?

Yes. It is important to note that while you are exchanging your licence, providing it is current and valid, you will continue to be licensed for the period of the exchange process. Where you are exchanging your UK/NI licence, the NDLS will provide you with a receipt which you should carry with you to confirm you are in the process of exchanging a licence. It is a legal requirement to carry your driving licence at all times when driving here. Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

I live in the UK/NI and hold a UK/NI driving licence and would like to be able to drive a vehicle in Ireland from time to time on holidays after Brexit?

As a visitor to Ireland holding a UK/NI licence, you will be entitled to drive in Ireland for the period of your visit with your existing driving licence providing it is current and valid and that you carry it with you at all times. You will not be required to carry an International Driving Permit.

I am a UK/NI citizen living in Ireland and hold an Irish driving licence, will I be able drive in the UK/NI from time to time after UK leaves EU?

I am visiting the UK/NI in the coming months and my driving licence is showing expired, however it was extended and is still valid. Do I need to get a new one or how will Police etc in the UK know it is still valid if checked?

I am visiting the UK/NI in the coming months and my driving licence is showing expired, however it was extended and is still valid. Do I need to get a new one or how will Police etc in the UK know it is still valid if checked?

You cannot renew your driving licence unless it is within 3 months of the new expiry date. You should request a driver statement from the NDLS (email [email protected] or phone 076 1887880) in advance to provide with your driving licence, if requested to produce while driving in the UK/NI.

I live in Ireland and drive trucks across Europe including the UK/NI as part of my job, I am the holder of an Irish driving licence with truck categories. Will I be able to drive on the Irish driving licence in UK/NI after Brexit?

As a UK/NI licence holder where can I find information to prepare for driving in the EU after Brexit?

I live in Northern Ireland and hold a UK/NI licence but travel to work daily to the Republic of Ireland and drive a vehicle as part of my work in the Republic of Ireland. Can I continue to drive on my UK/NI licence after the UK has left the EU?

I live in Northern Ireland and hold a UK/NI licence but travel to work daily to the Republic of Ireland and drive a vehicle as part of my work in the Republic of Ireland. Can I continue to drive on my UK/NI licence after the UK has left the EU?

Yes, as a resident of Northern Ireland, you can continue to make this journey to work and drive for your work duties in the Republic of Ireland on your UK/NI licence. International law covering driving licences provide for such journeys.

Is a medical report form required to exchange a UK/NI licence for an Irish driving licence?

Your application to exchange your UK/NI licence for an Irish licence must be accompanied by a medical report if you:

are 70 years or over on the date of application and have an identified or specified illness
are exchanging a licence with bus or truck licence categories
indicate ‘yes’ to any of the medical questions on the driving licence application form D401.

To download a medical report form click here.

If you are over 70 and do not have an identified or specified illness a medical report is not required or an application made before 30 June 2021 and a licence will issue for three years.

What categories will I get on my Irish driving licence when I exchange my UK/NI driving licence?

It is important to note that some categories on your UK/NI driving licence may have UK national codes associated with them, which may mean these particular categories are not transferable to an Irish licence.

For more details see below.

Category D1 and D1E Licence with Code 1 or Code 101 (not for hire or reward)

The licence for minibus (category D1) and bus with trailer attached (category D1E) with code 1 or Code 101 indicating “Not for hire or reward” (nfhr) which was granted in the UK/NI is not transferable when you exchange it for an Irish driving licence as this was a national category in the UK and only valid to drive in the UK.

However, if you are the holder of a category D1 and D1E driving licence without these codes they are transferable to your driving licence provided you submit a medical report with your application.

Category EC1 Licence with Code 107

The licence for light articulated truck (EC1 category) with Code 107 was granted in the UK/NI and is not transferable when you exchange your UK/NI licence for an Irish one, as there is not an equivalent category in Ireland.

Category EC Licence with Code 102

The licence for articulated truck (EC category) with Code 102 was granted in the UK/NI and is not transferable when you exchange your UK/NI licence for an Irish one, as there is not an equivalent category in Ireland.

Learner Permits

What is a learner permit?

For how long is a learner permit valid?

Period of Learner Permit	Permit Count
2 years	First or second learner permit
2 years	Third or subsequent learner permit - you must show evidence of failing a driving test in the previous two years
1 year	Third or subsequent learner permit - you must show evidence of having applied for or having a forthcoming test date

What is the application fee?

Can I apply for a learner permit online?

What is a Public Services Card (PSC)?

A Public Services Card helps you to access a range of public services easily. Your identity is fully authenticated when it is issued so you do not have to give the same information to multiple organisations. You can book a Public Service Card (PSC) appointment by phoning your local Intreo office. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 pandemic online PSC appointments are not available at www.mywelfare.ie.

What is a MyGovID account?

Can I renew my learner permit before its expiry date?

If my learner permit has been lost, stolen or damaged, can I apply for a replacement online?

Can I exchange my non Irish learner permit for an Irish one?

Can I update my personal details on a learner permit online?

Can I book an appointment or contact my local NDLS centre?

What will the start date of my learner permit be when I make an application?

Can a PSC be presented as ID when applying in person for a learner permit?

Yes. A Public Services Card can be used as:

Photographic ID (name on learner permit application must match the name on card)
Proof of PPSN
Evidence of address (where the current address on the learner permit application is the same as the address provided on your Public Services Card)
Evidence of residency entitlement (if your place of birth and nationality is in the EU/EEA) and

What is EDT?

Is there a shorter EDT programme for foreign exchange drivers?

What is IBT?

Am I permitted to drive unaccompanied on a learner permit?

Who can accompany a learner permit holder when driving?

Learner permit holders must be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver (who holds a full driving licence in the category of vehicle being driven for a minimum of two years). A person who can drive in Ireland under a licence issued by either an EU Member State or by a country in the European Economic Area, can act as qualified driver. Otherwise a foreign licence holder cannot act as a qualified driver.

Are there penalty points for not displaying L plates?

Are there penalty points for driving unaccompanied?

On 22 December 2018 changes in legislation were introduced for unaccompanied drivers where in addition to penalty points and a fixed charge, a learner permit holder driving unaccompanied can have their vehicle impounded, and where the unaccompanied learner driver is not the vehicle owner, the vehicle could be impounded and owner liable to a fine of up to €1,000.

Can I use my learner permit as an organ donor card?

How do I know what licence categories are on my learner permit?

Where can I find the driver number on a learner permit?

Can I drive a vehicle with a manual transmission if I have notation 78 on my learner permit?

What does my doctor or optometrist need to do to complete an Eyesight or Medical Report Form?

What documents are required to prove evidence of normal residence in Ireland?

Why do I need to prove my normal residence if it was provided on last application?

NDLS are required to ensure that all learner permit applications satisfy the residency requirement. If the information recorded on your existing learner permit or the information provided to DEASP (Dept of Employment Affairs & Social Protection) when registering for your PSC does not satisfy the requirement then you are required to provide such documentation.

Do I need to provide evidence of normal residence if I am adding a category onto a learner permit?

What can I use for photo ID?

Driving Licence

For how long is a driving licence valid?

Your age and medical fitness will determine the duration of the licence which can be issued:

Age	Licence Term
Under 60 years	Maximum* 10 year licence - Cars and Motorcycles or Maximum* 5 year licence - Trucks and Buses
60 but under 67	Up to your 70th birthday
67 but under 70	3 year licence
70 or over	1 or 3 year licence may be issued on medical grounds

* A one or three year licence may be issued where, for medical reasons, a longer licence term cannot be granted.

The age in question is your age on the date of application

For information see link to Periods of learner permits and driving licences.

What is the application fee?

Can I apply for a driving licence online?

What is a Public Services Card (PSC)?

A Public Services Card helps you to access a range of public services easily. Your identity is fully authenticated when it is issued so you do not have to give the same information to multiple organisations. You can book a Public Service Card (PSC) appointment by calling your local Intreo office. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 pandemic online PSC appointments are not available at www.mywelfare.ie

What is a MyGovID account?

Can I renew my driving licence online?

Can I renew my driving licence before its expiry date?

If my driving licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, can I apply for a replacement online?

Can I exchange my EU/EEA driving licence for an Irish one?

If you have a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. If you wish to exchange your driving licence for an equivalent Irish driving licence, you must do so within 10 years of your driving licence expiring. Where a driving licence has been issued on foot of an exchange from a country that Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with then Ireland cannot exchange the driving licence. For further information see Exchange My Foreign Driving Licence.

Can I exchange a non EU/EEA licence for an Irish one?

Can I update my personal details on my driving licence online?

What will the start date of my driving licence be when I make an application?

Can I use my plastic card driving licence as an organ donor card?

What does my doctor / optometrist need to do?

How do I know what category I'm entitled to drive?

Where can I find the driver number on a driving licence?

Can I drive a vehicle with manual transmission if I have notation 78 on my driving licence?

Can I get the automatic restriction removed if I have a manual car driving licence and an automatic driving licence in one of the following categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E?

Yes. If you have a driving licence for categories BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E issued from 30 November 2013 with an automatic transmission restriction code 78, and hold a category B manual driving licence this code will be removed electronically from your driving licence record or you can apply for a replacement driving licence to have it updated on NDLS.ie.

What documents are required to prove evidence of normal residence in Ireland?

Why do I need to prove my residency entitlement if it was provided on last application?

NDLS are required to ensure that all driving licence applications satisfy normal residence requirements. If the information recorded on your existing driving licence or the information provided to DEASP (Dept of Employment Affairs & Social Protection) when registering for your PSC does not satisfy the requirement then you are required to provide such documentation.

Do I need to provide evidence of residency if I am adding a category onto a driving licence?

Updating Your Personal Details

How do I change my address on a learner permit or driving licence?

How do I update my surname following a marriage or civil partnership on a learner permit or driving licence?

You can now quickly and easily update your personal details online. For details on how to update your surname following a marriage or civil partnership on a:

Learner permit click here and
Driving licence click here.

Alternatively you can book an appointment here to attend one of our NDLS centres in person.

How do I update my surname following separation divorce or dissolution of civil partnership (reverting to birth surname) on a learner permit or driving licence

You can now quickly and easily update personal details online. For details on how to update your surname following separation, divorce or dissolution of civil partnership (reverting to birth surname) on a:

Learner permit click here and
Driving licence click here.

Alternatively you can book an appointment here to attend one of our NDLS centres in person.

How do I update my name to the Irish language version of my name on a learner permit or driving licence?

You can now quickly and easily update personal details online. For details on how to update your name to the Irish language version on a:

Learner permit click here and
Driving licence click here.

Alternatively you can book an appointment here to attend one of our NDLS centres in person.

How do I update my name following a change of name by deed poll?

How do I update my change in medical details on a learner permit or driving licence?

Medical Fitness to Drive

Do I need to submit an eyesight report with my application for my driving licence or learner permit?

You are required to submit an eyesight report form with an application for a driving licence or learner permit if:

you are applying for your first learner permit
you are exchanging a driving licence from outside the European Union
you wish to remove a 01 notation (the requirement to wear corrective lenses when driving) from your driving licence or learner permit.

Do I need to submit a medical report with my application for the renewal of my driving licence or learner permit?

You are required to submit a medical report form with an application for the renewal of a driving licence or learner permit if:

you are aged 70 or over, or the licence you are applying to renew expires on the eve of your seventieth birthday
you have certain medical conditions – see list of specified conditions here
you wish to apply to renew or add categories to a driving licence or learner permit which will include any group 2 bus and truck categories (C1, C, C1E, CE, D1, D, D1E, DE)
your current driving licence includes the notation code 101 which indicates that renewal is subject to submission of a medical report.

I only have sight in one eye/I have monocular vision; can I obtain or renew a driving licence or learner permit with group 2 categories (trucks and buses)?

Driving licence categories are divided into group 1 (motorcycles, cars and tractors) and group 2 (trucks and buses). There is a higher standard of physical and mental fitness required on the part of drivers who hold group 2 categories in light of the duration of time they spend behind the wheel and the greater size and weight of their vehicles.

If you have a complete loss of vision in one eye or corrected acuity of less than 6/60 (0.1 decimal) in the weaker eye, you cannot obtain a driving licence or learner permit with group 2 categories.

I only have sight in one eye/I have monocular vision; can I obtain a driving licence or learner permit with group 1 categories (motorcycles, cars and tractors)?

Where you have complete loss of vision in one eye (i.e. if there is any light perception, you are not considered monocular), you may apply for a driving licence or learner permit with group 1 categories (motorcycles, cars and tractors), when clinically advised by a competent medical authority that you have adapted to the disability and the prescribed eyesight standard in the remaining eye can be satisfied and there is a normal monocular visual field in the remaining eye.

I wish to apply online, how do I submit an eyesight or medical report?

If you are applying through the online application system, there is an option to upload your medical report form as part of the application process. If you cannot upload it at that time, you will be given the option to post it. The postal address will be included in the confirmation email you receive when you complete the online application.

I have been recently diagnosed with a new medical condition, how do I inform the NDLS?

If, following consultation with your doctor, your medical condition is one that must be notified to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), you will need to have a medical report form completed regarding your fitness to drive and apply to the NDLS for a change of personal (medical) details. It is not adequate to send an email to us.

This is the list of medical conditions here about which you are required to notify the NDLS.

For more details on these see Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines

To make an application to update your medical details, you can apply online if you have a public services card and a verified MyGovID. Otherwise, you will have to book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre in person.

You can apply online for a change of medical details on a learner permit here.

You can apply online for a change of medical details on a driving licence here.

I have been advised by my doctor to cease driving – what do I do with my driving licence or learner permit?

Where you have been advised by your doctor that you must stop driving you should surrender your driving licence or learner permit to;

Medical Fitness - Driver Licensing,
Road Safety Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill,
Dublin Road,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo

Please include a short note to say that you are surrendering your driving licence or learner permit on medical grounds. There is no need to submit a medical report or letter from your doctor or any other forms when surrendering your driving licence or learner permit.

I had surrendered my licence on medical grounds, but my doctor says I am now fit to return to driving – what do I need to do?

Where you had been advised by your doctor that you could not drive for a period of time and are then told by your doctor that you may return to driving, you should make an application to the NDLS for a change in personal (medical) details. The application must be accompanied by an up-to-date driving licence medical report form completed by your doctor confirming your fitness to drive. There is no application fee payable unless it is due for renewal or you are also applying for a replacement of a lost or stolen licence or permit.

In order for you to make an application to update your medical details, you can apply online if you have a public services card and a verified MyGovID account. Otherwise, you will have to book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre in person.

You can apply online for a change of medical details on a learner permit here.

You can apply online for a change of medical details on a driving licence here.

My doctor wants me to undergo an on-road driving assessment (ORDA) – how do I go about this?

If your doctor has requested that you undergo an on-road driving assessment (ORDA), you would have to arrange this assessment yourself. Your doctor may be able to recommend a local operator that carries out these assessments so you should discuss this with your doctor. For further information you can email [email protected]

Is there any fee involved to change personal (medical) details?

Exchange of Foreign Driving Licences

Can I drive here on a full licence from a country that does not have an exchange agreement with Ireland?

I hold a full foreign licence which is not recognised for exchange and am now applying for a Learner permit. Do I need to complete EDT (Essential Driver Training)

How do I qualify for reduced EDT if I hold a full driving licence from a non recognised state and wish to apply for a learner permit here?

On 21 January 2019 the RSA introduced a shorter EDT programme for foreign licence holders whose full licence from another country (jurisdiction) is not exchangeable with Ireland.You may qualify for exemption from EDT lessons 2,3,4,8,11 and 12. For details on EDT shortened program click here and related application form click here

If you pass your driving test, you can then apply for a full Irish driving licence. For details on how to apply for a first time Learner Permit click here.

Please Note: Once you obtain an Irish learner permit, this will take precedence over your full foreign driving licence and all rules and regulations pertaining to the holder of a learner permit applies e.g. display of L plates, must be accompanied etc.

Can I exchange my EU/EEA driving licence for an Irish one?

Where a driving licence has been issued on foot of an exchange from a country that Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with then Ireland cannot exchange the driving licence.

For details on how to exchange an EU/EEA driving licence click here.

I hold a EU licence with code 95 and drive professionally, when I exchange my EU licence will I retain code 95 and be able to continue to drive professionally?

Where the code 95 CPC is noted on an EU driving licence, this will not be transferred to the Irish driving licence and you must apply for a separate CPC card to the RSA if you want to continue driving professionally. For further details on CPC. Learn more here.

Can I exchange a non-EU/EEA driving licence for an Irish one?

Can I apply online to exchange my foreign licence for an Irish driving licence?

How long does it take to exchange a foreign licence for an Irish licence?

What is a Letter of Entitlement or Driver Statement?

A letter of entitlement or driver statement is a copy of your driver record or history showing details of name, address, date of birth, driver number, date of expiry of licence and class of licence including details of what that class refers to. It is issued by the licensing authority in the country of origin. An original document is required with your application if your foreign licence is expired, lost, stolen or damaged. To obtain a driver statement (letter of entitlement) for a foreign licence you must contact the licensing authority which issued your foreign licence.

Do I need to get a foreign Letter of Entitlement or Driver Statement translated into English?

Penalty Points

What are penalty points?

Penalty points are designed to encourage safe driving and reduce casualties on our roads. For further details and the full list of penalty point offences please visit www.rsa.ie

Penalty point offences are recorded on your driving licence record if:

You are convicted of a driving offence that attracts penalty points, or
You are served with a fixed charge notice for an alleged offence that attracts penalty points and you opt to pay the fine. If the fine is not paid it will be referred to the courts where a higher number of penalty points will apply.

Any driver accumulating 12 penalty points or 7 points where applicable in the case of a novice driver or learner permit holder within any given three-year period will be automatically disqualified from driving for six months.

You are required to surrender your Irish or foreign driving licence to the National Driver Licence Service within 10 days of disqualification commencing. It is an offence not to surrender a licence. It is also an offence to drive while disqualified.

How can I check penalty points on my licence?

I received notification of penalty points, when will they be applied?

When will my penalty points expire?

How do I update my penalty point address so my notifications go to the correct address?

At what number of points am I disqualified from holding a driving licence?

Disqualification from holding a driving licence or learner permit	Penalty Points
Full licence issued prior to 01 August 2014	12 points
Learner permit issued from 01 August 2014 and within the first two years of holding your first driving licence	7 points
Learner permit issued before 01 August 2014 and within the first two years of holding your first driving licence	7 points or 12 points*

*On accumulation of 12 points in total or 7 points issued since 1 August 2014, whichever reached first.

Do I have to surrender my learner permit or driving licence to the NDLS when disqualified on penalty points?

I am serving a penalty point disqualification but my driving licence/learner permit expires during the disqualification, do I need to do anything?

I was disqualified for reaching the penalty points threshold, how do I get my licence back? Do I have to apply for it?

If your licence is in date when your disqualification expires, a letter will be issued to you requiring you to contact us by telephone or e-mail to confirm if the address is correct for the licence to be returned.
If you have moved address or the licence is expired, you will be required to make an application in person or at your local NDLS centre.

How do I appeal fixed charge notices?

I was convicted in court of a penalty point offence. Can I appeal them?

The offence can be appealed to the Court. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) can only remove penalty points on direction of the Court in an instance where the person is convicted in court. A person can appeal within 14 days of the court conviction. If the appeal is accepted outside the 14 days then the points will still be endorsed on the record and cannot be removed unless by order of the court or the appeal is won.

I went to court for speeding and got a fine. The judge didn’t say anything about penalty points, yet I have been notified that 5 penalty points have been endorsed on my driver record.

I have received a notification of a fine as I was the registered owner of the vehicle, however I was not driving the vehicle, what should I do?

If you were not driving, or otherwise using the vehicle on the date of the offence, the Statement of Nomination of Name and Address of Driver of Vehicle section on the Fixed Charge Notice must be completed by the registered owner, not the driver, and the full notice must be returned to the Fixed Charge Processing Office within 28 days of the date of the notice. For further information see fixed charge notices.

I do not have an Irish driving licence but have a licence issued by an EU country or another country. I have received a letter regarding penalty points. Do I get points?

I have lost fine notice, who do I contact and how do I pay?

If you have misplaced, lost or damaged your Fixed Charge Notice, you will need to contact the Fixed Charge Processing Office at 1890 30 40 60, or e-mail [email protected] and a re-print of the notice will be sent to you by post. Please note that the time continues even when a re-print request is submitted.

The full Fixed Charge Notice must accompany any payment by cheque, postal order, bank draft or credit card and then post to An Garda Siochana,PO Box 55,Kilrush, Co Clare. When paying by any of these methods at a Post Office it is advisable to present your driving licence. For further information see payment of fixed charges.

Essential Driver Training (EDT)

What is EDT?

Is there a shorter EDT programme for foreign exchange drivers?

Initial Basic Training (IBT)

Novice Drivers

What is meant by a novice driver?

What are N-plates?

What do N-plates indicate?

Does a novice driver need to be accompanied while displaying N-plates?

When were N-plates introduced for novice drivers?

Are N-plates required on a vehicle if I pass the driving test in another category?

Can I drive on the motorway being a novice driver?

Are N-plates required to be displayed on a motorcycle?

Are N-tabards required to be worn on a motorbike?

Are there penalty points for not displaying N plates?

Are N-plates required on tractors?

Are there penalty points for non-display N plates on cars or not wearing an N tabard on motorcycle?

Where should the N-plate be located on a tractor if I am towing a trailer or other agricultural implement?

If my driving licence was issued by another EU or exchange state prior to 1 August 2014, and exchange it for an Irish licence, will I have to display N-plates?

If my driving licence was issued by an EU or exchange state after 1 August 2014, and exchange it for an Irish driving licence, will I have to display N-plates?

If I get a first learner permit for a car and take out a driving licence after 1 August 2014, and later get a learner permit for a rigid truck or minibus licence, what plates am I required to display?

To which drivers does the lower disqualification threshold of penalty points apply?

To any driver who is granted their first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014 while they drive under a learner permit, and subsequently during the first two years while they drive under their first full driving licence.

A driver who held a learner permit or full driving licence at any time prior to 1 August 2014 while driving on a learner permit, and subsequently during the first two years while whey drive under their first full driving licence will be disqualified on accumulating 12 penalty points or 7 new penalty points endorsed on the driving record on or after 1 August 2014. There is one exception to this and this is where the driver held a full driver licence in Ireland prior to 1 August 2014 but has let the entitlement lapse (expired for 10 years or more) they are not considered a novice when they go through the process to get their entitlement back. i.e. they are not subject of any of the Novice rules including displaying N plates and lower penalty point threshold.

I hold a driving licence for less than 2 years. Does the lower threshold of penalty points apply to me?

Where your first full driving licence is granted on or after 1 August 2014, and you held a learner permit before 1 August 2014, you will be disqualified on accumulating 12 penalty points or where 7 new penalty points are endorsed on the driving record on or after 1 August 2014, whichever happens first. There is one exception to this and this is where the driver held a full driver licence in Ireland prior to 1 August 2014 but has let the entitlement lapse (expired for 10 years or more) they are not considered a novice when they go through the process to get their entitlement back. i.e. they are not subject to any of the Novice rules including displaying N plates and lower penalty point threshold.

I got my first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014. What disqualification threshold of penalty points will apply when I pass the driving test and get my driving licence?

During the first two years of your driving licence, where the number of points equal or exceed 7 a disqualification will apply. After two years of holding that driving licence, the disqualification threshold is 12 or more penalty points.

If I have a learner permit before 1 August 2014 will the lower disqualification threshold of penalty points apply to me with effect from that date?

I got my first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014. What disqualification threshold of penalty points will apply while I hold a learner permit, and when I get a driving licence and until I have this driving licence for two years?

If I held a driving licence which has expired for more than 10 years and after 1 August 2014, I must now take out a first learner permit again, what threshold of penalty points will apply to me?

A driver who held a full driving licence at any time prior to 1 August 2014 but the entitlement has lapsed (expired for 10 years or more) while driving on a learner permit will be disqualified on accumulating 12 penalty points or 7 new penalty points endorsed on the driving record on or after 1 August 2014. They will not be considered a novice when they go through the process to get their entitlement back. i.e. they are not subject to any of the Novice rules including displaying N plates and lower penalty point threshold when they take out their driving licence.

I hold my driving licence for less than 2 years. Does the lower threshold of penalty points apply to me?

If your first full driving licence is granted on or after 1 August 2014, and you held a learner permit before 1 August 2014, the threshold of 12 or more penalty points applies.
If you got your first learner permit on or after 1 August 2014 the threshold of 7 or more penalty points applies while you hold a learner permit and until you hold your first driving licence for two years.

For further details see:

N-Plates and Novice Drivers here.

Novice Plates for Drivers here

Motorcycles

What type of licence do I need to drive a motorcycle?

Can I carry a passenger on my motorcycle?

Do I need to wear a helmet when driving a motorcycle?

What training is required for driving motorcycles?

Do I need a driving licence to operate a motorised scooter?

Powered vehicles such as a golf buggy, a quad bike, a ride-on lawn mower etc, etc are designed and intended for off-road private use only. These are mechanically propelled vehicles and if used on a public road (public road includes footpath) are subject to all of the regulatory controls that apply to other vehicles. These vehicles would have to be registered, taxed, be subject to vehicle lighting requirements and subject to vehicle construction, equipment and use regulations as regards brakes etc. The driver of the vehicle would have to hold a driving licence and be insured to drive that vehicle. Essentially these vehicles would be subject to all of the road traffic law provisions that apply to mechanically propelled vehicles generally.

An exception is made in the case of powered wheelchairs that are used by persons who have a mobility disability. Powered wheelchairs (including mobility scooters) are regarded for all intents and purposes as having pedestrian status and as being 'the legs' of the wheelchair user and are not regarded as an optional mode of vehicle transport that requires driver licence, registration, motor tax, etc. No distinction is made between self-propelled wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs can be used on footpaths (it is a penalty point offence for any other mechanically propelled vehicle to drive along a footpath), can enter pedestrianised streets and cycle tracks, can enter buildings etc in the same manner as pedestrians. Wheelchair or mobility scooter users are in special circumstances as regards essential personal mobility needs arising from a disability and, as already stated, the wheelchair is therefore regarded as an extension of the person rather than as a mode of transport vehicle.

No prohibitions on access apply to non-motorway public roads to the users of powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters, similar to those applying to walkers, joggers, cyclists, persons riding horses or droving animals etc, however under Section 97 of the Roads Act of 1992, it is the duty of care of a person using a public road to take reasonable care of his/her own safety and for that of any other person using the public road. Specifically road users must take all reasonable measures to avoid injury to themselves other to any other person using the public road or damage to property owned or used by them or any other person using the public road.

Therefore wheelchair users (again this includes those using powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters) should face oncoming traffic in the same manner as if there were being pushed by an adult, they should also use a footpath or hard shoulder where possible at all times and cross the road at pedestrian crossings, traffic lights or at a location that gives them the best view of any approaching traffic.

Hi Visibility vests or other forms to improve conspicuity, should also be worn at all times by the user or person pushing a wheelchair etc.

Campervans, and Motorhomes

What category of driving licence do I need to drive a campervan or motorhome?

This will depend on the maximum authorised mass (MAM¹) or the design gross vehicle weight (DGVW) of the vehicle and passenger accommodation.

Vehicle Category	Vehicle Description
B	MAM not exceeding 3,500kg and passenger accommodation is for less than 8 passengers in addition to the driver.
C1	MAM exceeding 3,500kg and passenger accommodation is for less than 8 passengers in addition to the driver

Can I do my driving test in a campervan or motorhome?

No, you must sit the driving test in a representative vehicle for the category of vehicle being tested in. See table below.