New temporary EU rules mean that people fleeing Ukraine and living in Ireland under temporary protection can continue to use their Ukrainian driving licence. You don’t have to exchange your Ukraine licence for an EU driving licence or sit a driving test. However, these temporary protections will end on 04 March 2027.
There is not currently a driving licence exchange agreement between Ireland and the Ukraine.
If you wish to continue to drive in Ireland after this date we would advise you will be required to follow the learner to licence process, before 04 March 2027. This involves passing a driver theory test, obtain an Irish learner permit, complete mandatory driving lessons (EDT), hold your learner permit for a period of 6 months and then pass a driving test in the B category (car).
Reduced Essential Driver Training is available to holders of a driving licence where Ireland does not have a recognised exchange agreement in place. For more details, please see our Reduced EDT page.
Where you still hold temporary protection status you may apply for a learner permit in the truck or bus category before 04 March 2027 by registering your Ukraine driving licence in the category B, and by first passing a driver theory test in the applicable category.
On passing a driving test in the applicable category, then apply for a driving licence in the applicable category where you will also obtain a driving licence in the car category with the same start date.
Please note: While holding this learner permit you can continue to drive on your Ukraine driving licence
Apply for a learner permit in a bus or truck category when you hold a Ukraine driving licence in category B and living in Ireland under temporary protection.
You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre. An application form is not required. Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
To apply in person at an NDLS centre you will need:
- Your current Ukraine driving licence with category B
- Photo Identification – current passport or Public Services Card
- To have successfully passed the driver theory test in the category you are applying for in the previous 2 years
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN).
- Medical report form completed by your medical practitioner and submitted within one month of the date of the medical examination
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a Public Services Card PSC
- Proof of Residency – Section 60 Temporary Protection document issued by Department of Justice. Section 60 Temporary Protection document valid until 4 March 2026 or valid until 4 March 2027 is acceptable.
- Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
- Application fee of €45.00. You can pay by credit or with debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over, you are exempt from paying the fee.
Apply for an Irish driving licence for a bus or truck category when you hold a Ukraine driving licence in category B and have passed a bus or truck driving test on an Irish learner permit.
You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre. An application form is not required. Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
To apply in person at an NDLS centre you will need:
- To have successfully passed the driving test in the category that you are applying for within the last two years
- Your current or most recent Irish learner permit in the category you are applying for
- Your current Ukraine driving licence for category B,
- Photo Identification – current passport or Public Services Card
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
- Medical report form completed by your medical practitioner and submitted within one month of the date of the medical examination
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your learner permit and it differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a Public Services Card PSC
- Proof of Residency – Section 60 Temporary Protection document issued by Department of Justice. Section 60 Temporary Protection document valid until 4 March 2026 or valid until 4 March 2027 is acceptable.
- Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
- Application fee of €65.00. You can pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over, you are exempt from paying the fee.
Upon successful completion of processing of your application an Irish driving licence with the bus or truck category and B (car) category will issue to you by post. Your Ukraine driving licence will also be returned to you separately by post.