Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 205: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend the legislation and or regulations regarding the requirements that those holding a driving licence from a country or a state in the USA which does not have an exchange driving licence agreement with Ireland or the EU must apply for a driving permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26727/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irish law governing recognition of foreign driving licences operates within the framework of EU driver licensing law. The essential criteria for recognition of foreign licences are, therefore, the existence of testing and licensing regimes in other jurisdictions which meet with EU standards. On this basis, Ireland has arrangements for mutual recognition of driving licences with other EU Member States, as well as with a number of other countries. This is of great importance for safety on our roads, as we need to be sure that people licensed to drive on our roads have met specific standards.

In the case of the USA, where licensing is operated at State level and where not all States meet EU requirements, it is not possible to have an exchange relationship. However, the requirement of a six-month waiting period before taking a driving test in this jurisdiction is waived in the case of persons who hold a full licence in their own country. I remain open to the possibility of extending recognition to licences from other jurisdictions with whom we do not currently have an exchange relationship, provided that the necessary requirements are met.