Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process that is in place for those who hold Ukrainian driving licences to be assessed by the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20948/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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European Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which came into force in July 2022, allows Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences. All categories held on a Ukrainian licence are recognised. However, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks or buses) must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland. The EU Regulation allows for the recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The Regulation applies to driver documents held by Ukrainians admitted to the EU under the Temporary Protection Directive and for the period of temporary protection only.

Under the European Union (Driver Qualification Card) (Persons From Ukraine) Regulations 2023, signed on 4 April 2023, a person with a Ukrainian driving licence and a Ukrainian qualification card can now apply to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to do the compulsory training. The training consists of 35 hours training, 8 hours supervised driving and a theory test. More information is available on the RSA website.

Prior to Regulation 2022/1280, Ukrainians admitted here under temporary protection could exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence (car only) for a period of 12 months. This exchange was provided between 22 April and 27 July 2022, under the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022. Truck and bus (category C and D) licences were not exchangeable.

Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ukraine. A person resident in Ireland (notunder the Temporary Protection Directive) cannot drive here on a Ukrainian licence, but can apply for an Irish driving licence in the normal way (sitting the theory test, applying for a learner permit, and passing a driving test). A person who has held a full Ukrainian driving licence for more than two years can avail of a shorter process to a full licence, involving Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons only, instead of the 12 normally required, and they will not have to wait the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.