Driver licensing

Categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers
Motor vehicles in Ireland are divided into different categories for driver licensing purposes. Information is provide on categories of vehicles and the minimum age you need to be in order to legally drive them.

Learner driving permits for motorcycles in Ireland
Before you learn to drive a motorcycle on a public road in Ireland, you must obtain a learner driving permit for the vehicle you wish to drive.

Learner driving permits for cars and work vehicles
It is a legal requirement to hold a learner driving permit before learning to drive a car or work vehicle on public roads in Ireland.

Learner driving permits for buses and trucks
Before you learn to drive a bus or truck on a public road in Ireland, you must obtain a learner driving permit for the type of vehicle you wish to drive.

Learner driving permits for trailers
Before you learn to drive while pulling a trailer that weighs more than 750kg, you must obtain a learner driving permit.

Full driving licence
Full driving licences are issued in Ireland if you pass a driving test. Rules about driving licences, forms and how to apply.

Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit
If your most recent Irish driving licence has been lost or stolen but is still valid, you can obtain a replacement licence.

Converting your driving licence to an Irish driving licence
How to exchange a driving permit issued in another country for an Irish driving licence, including information on the fees and a list of recognised exchange countries.

International Driving Permit
An international driving permit allows you to drive in foreign countries without further tests or applications. Find out how to apply for a permit, the costs involved and those countries in which you can use your permit.