Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Transport the situation regarding reciprocal recognition of driving licences as between Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. [31317/05]

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 that meet the requirements of the EU directive and reciprocal recognition of Irish licences.

A person who holds a driving licence issued by a member state of the European Union or of the European economic area, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, is permitted to drive in Ireland for so long as that licence remains valid. Where such persons take up normal residence in Ireland, they may exchange their licence for an Irish licence without taking a driving test.

In addition, Australia, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland are recognised states for the purpose of driving licence exchange under the terms of Article 30(7) of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999. Under these regulations, persons holding a valid driving licence from a recognised state may exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence where they take up residence here, without the need for a driving test. However, a holder of a New Zealand licence, on taking up residence here, would be required to obtain an Irish driving licence by undergoing both the theory and practical tests.