Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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384. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the length of time learners are waiting for a driving test, if there are plans to allow licence recognition for returning Irish citizens and/or new residents from countries such as the US and Canada, where there are no reciprocal licensing agreements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards. Testing standards are set at EU level. and, accordingly, all EU/EEA licences are recognised here.

Ireland may make bilateral licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching an agreement is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements can be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and each side is satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.

People who are resident in Ireland must have an Irish or other EU/EEA driving licence if they wish to drive here. People who hold a full non-exchangeable licence must obtain an Irish licence through the normal driver learning process (theory test, learner permit, compulsory lessons, practical test). However, they can avail of shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons, instead of the usual 12, and do not have to be a learner for the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.

One of the Programme for Government 2025 commitments is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has a licence exchange agreement with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces, with a technical assessment for an agreement under way with Nova Scotia. Currently, Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the USA. My department will be exploring how to further meet this Programme for Government commitment.