Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will consider recognising driving licences issued in the United States held by Irish citizens returning to live in this State and who are currently required to pass the driving test. [21649/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Irish driving licence regulations are required to operate within the framework of a harmonised EU system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes which meet the requirements of the EU directive and reciprocal recognition of Irish licences.

Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with the United States of America for the exchange of driving licences due to the diverse nature of the driver testing and licensing regimes in the different States in the USA.

On taking up Irish residence a person who holds a driving licence issued in the USA must obtain a provisional licence and undergo a driving test in order to obtain a driving licence.