Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

614. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driving licences are accepted from some Canadian provinces in view of the fact the holder of a licence from the province of British Columbia cannot transfer to an Irish licence without preparing for and sitting a driving test here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8393/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets minimum standards to be met in order to obtain a driving licence. On this basis, we have exchange of driving licences with other EU Member States. In the case of non-EU States, we may reach bilateral agreements on driver licence exchange. Reaching bilateral agreements is not a simple matter. It requires the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions to compare the two licensing regimes in detail, in order for each side to be satisfied that the standards of the two systems are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). For some time now, the RSA has been working with the Canadian authorities with a view to mutual recognition of driving licences. However, as Canada operates driver licensing at provincial rather than national level, we must reach agreements with each individual province. To date, agreements are in place with three of the ten provinces - Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Ontario.

The RSA is working to reach agreement with the remaining provinces. I understand that it is likely that the next such agreement will be with British Columbia, but that it is not possible at this stage to give a precise date for when this will happen.