John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding persons who have a full driving licence from the USA; the reason they need to re-sit their driving tests here; if there are bilateral or international agreements on such issues; if Ireland or the EU are a signatory to such agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22267/06]

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.

A person who holds a driving licence issued by a Member State of the European Union or of the European Economic Area (includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) is permitted to drive in Ireland for so long as that licence remains valid. Where such a person has taken up normal residence in Ireland, he or she may exchange their licence for an Irish driving 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.

In all other cases a person taking up normal residence in Ireland must undergo the driver theory test, obtain a provisional licence and pass the driving test in order to obtain a driving licence.

A bilateral agreement with the United States of America for the mutual exchange of driving licences is not envisaged at present.