Traffic rulesIreland

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for driver testing, driver education and licensing policy, while the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) processes learner-permit and driving-licence applications.

RSA driver testers conduct the practical driving tests.

The official computer-based theory test is delivered through the RSA’s authorised theory-test service and approved test centres.

Yes. A valid Irish licence is recognised throughout the State, subject to its categories, restriction codes and current legal status.

Yes. A valid Irish EU-format licence is generally recognised throughout the EU and European Economic Area.

It is the RSA online portal used for driving-test applications, eligibility checks, invitations, bookings and test-related services.

It is the online service for applying for, renewing, replacing, exchanging or updating an Irish learner permit or driving licence.

It is the RSA portal where category B learners can view their completed Essential Driver Training sessions.

No. EU rules generally permit only one valid EU or EEA driving licence at a time.

Yes. RSA and NDLS fees are nationally set, while lesson prices, car hire and other driving-school charges vary.

The minimum age is 17 years.

Yes. The theory test can be taken before the minimum learner-permit age, but the learner permit cannot be issued until the age requirement is met.

From that date, the minimum age to sit the driver theory test will be 15 years. This future rule does not change the minimum age for holding a category B learner permit.

Yes. A valid category B theory-test certificate is required.

The first learner-permit application must be made within two years after passing the theory test.

Yes. The applicant must normally reside in Ireland and provide evidence where required.

It generally means living in Ireland for at least 185 days in each calendar year because of personal or occupational ties.

The applicant must provide accepted identity details, an Irish residential address and a Personal Public Service Number or the authorised alternative evidence.

Yes. A foreign resident who satisfies identity, residence, medical, age and theory-test requirements may apply.

No. A current court or administrative disqualification must be resolved.

It can be requested through NDLS Online with a Public Services Card and verified MyGovID, or at an NDLS centre.

The standard fee is €45; applicants aged 70 or over are exempt from the first-issue or renewal fee.

Yes, where required by the first-permit process. The approved eyesight report must be recent and submitted within the specified period.

It is required for specified medical conditions, Group 2 truck or bus categories, applicants aged 75 or over and other cases identified by the licensing authority.

It must normally be submitted to the NDLS within one month after the doctor signs it.

No. The ordinary age threshold is 75, although licence fees remain waived from age 70.

Yes. Code 01 or a related restriction is placed on the permit or licence when corrective lenses must be used.

Yes. Restriction codes can require hand controls, an automatic transmission, daylight driving, a geographic limit or another adaptation.

No. Fitness is assessed individually and the person may qualify with restrictions or a suitable adapted vehicle.

Yes. A driver must notify the NDLS when a specified condition develops or changes in a way that may affect safe driving.

Yes. A one-year or three-year licence can be issued where a longer period is not medically appropriate.

Yes. The licensing decision can restrict, refuse or remove entitlement where the medical standard is not met.

No. The learner must be accompanied at all times by an eligible accompanying driver.

The person must have held a full, valid driving licence in category B for at least two years.

The accompanying driver must sit in the front passenger seat and be capable of properly supervising.

No. A novice driver cannot act as the accompanying driver during the two-year novice period.

Yes. Red L plates must be clearly displayed at the front and rear of the learner vehicle.

No. A learner permit does not authorise motorway driving.

Yes. There is no general night-time prohibition, provided all learner, supervision, insurance and vehicle requirements are met.

Yes. The valid learner permit must be carried and produced when required.

Yes. The learner must be correctly insured, and the vehicle must be taxed, roadworthy and hold a valid NCT where required.

Yes. Passing the test in an automatic car results in an automatic-only category B restriction.

Yes, provided the accompanying driver, insurance, vehicle, permit and L-plate requirements are satisfied.

The learner can receive a fixed charge, penalty points and vehicle detention or impoundment consequences under the applicable law.

The test contains 40 multiple-choice questions.

At least 35 correct answers are required.

The ordinary category B theory test normally allows 45 minutes.

The test covers the Rules of the Road, road signs, hazard awareness, risk perception, safe behaviour and eco-driving.

Yes. It is taken at an authorised theory-test centre using the official computer system.

Yes. The centre checks and scans the accepted identity document before admission.

Yes. Candidates may be screened for phones, Bluetooth devices and other unauthorised equipment, and the session is monitored.

Yes. Assistance is available for candidates with reading, hearing, language or other recognised needs under the authorised arrangements.

A new test can be booked after at least three days, and the full fee is payable again.

No general attempt limit applies, but each new sitting requires a booking and fee.

No. The person must first receive the learner permit and then comply with learner rules.

It expires and the applicant must pass the theory test again before applying for a first learner permit.

EDT is the compulsory structured training programme for most first-time category B learner drivers.

The standard programme contains 12 one-hour sessions.

Only an RSA Approved Driving Instructor registered to deliver category B EDT.

No. The 12 sessions are minimum structured lessons and should be supported by extensive supervised practice.

The instructor records each completed session in the official system, which the learner can view through MyEDT.

Yes. The sessions must be recorded before the learner becomes eligible for the category B test.

It is a six-session programme for qualifying holders of a full foreign category B licence from a country that does not have an exchange agreement with Ireland.

Yes. An approved reduced-EDT participant is also exempt from the ordinary six-month minimum waiting period.

No. Eligibility must be approved and documented through the licensing process.

The learner should contact the instructor and ensure every required lesson appears in MyEDT before test eligibility is checked.

Normally at least six months from the category issue date.

It ensures that a first-time learner gains a minimum period of supervised practice before testing.

A qualifying foreign full-licence holder approved for reduced EDT can receive an exemption.

Each is normally valid for two years.

Current rules require evidence of a driving-test booking or a failed test in the previous two years, with the permit term depending on that evidence.

A third or fourth permit will require the learner to have actually taken a driving test within the previous two years.

Yes. The new test requirement does not apply to the first renewal.

It will be valid for one year.

The person must restart the learning process, including theory, training and testing.

No. The permit must be valid before driving.

An RSA driver tester conducts it at an RSA driving-test centre.

It checks knowledge of the Rules of the Road and the ability to drive safely, competently and considerately.

RSA states that tests take about 50 to 100 minutes depending on category; the category B test is at the shorter end of that range.

The tester checks identification, the learner permit and vehicle documentation and asks Rules of the Road, sign and vehicle-safety questions.

They can include a turnabout, reversing around a corner, a hill start and other normal control and observation tasks.

Yes. The candidate normally provides a suitable, insured and roadworthy vehicle.

Yes. Defective equipment, missing documents, invalid insurance, tax or NCT, unsuitable tyres or another safety issue can prevent the test.

The RSA records Grade 2 serious faults and Grade 3 dangerous or potentially dangerous faults; lesser errors may not be recorded.

Failure occurs with one Grade 3 fault, four Grade 2 faults in a single aspect or nine Grade 2 faults overall.

The candidate receives a certificate of competency and must apply for the full licence within two years.

For the first two years after receiving the first full driving licence.

Yes. N plates must be clearly displayed on any vehicle the novice drives during the two-year period.

No.

Seven points within a three-year period normally cause a six-month disqualification.

Twelve points within a three-year period normally cause a six-month disqualification.

It normally begins 28 days after the disqualification notification is issued.

20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, 27 mg per 100 ml of urine or 9 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.

50 mg per 100 ml of blood, 67 mg per 100 ml of urine or 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.

Yes. Refusal is a criminal offence and can lead to a substantial driving disqualification, fine and imprisonment.

Yes. Driving while impaired by drugs or above a specified drug threshold can lead to prosecution and disqualification.

The novice period is linked to the first full licence and does not normally restart merely because another category is added.

Yes. A full licence authorises motorway driving, subject to the vehicle category and other restrictions.

It covers mopeds and light quadricycles within the statutory speed and vehicle limits.

It covers light motorcycles up to 125 cm³, 11 kW and the prescribed power-to-weight limit.

It covers motorcycles up to 35 kW with the prescribed power-to-weight and derivation rules.

It covers unrestricted motorcycles; direct access is available from age 24, or progressive access after holding A2 for two years.

It covers cars and light vans up to 3,500 kg MAM with no more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver.

A trailer up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer where the combination remains within the category B limits.

It covers a category B towing vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer within the BE weight limits.

C1 covers vehicles above 3,500 kg and up to 7,500 kg; C covers heavier goods vehicles.

D1 covers minibuses within its passenger and length limits; D covers buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats.

It is the professional qualification required for many drivers who operate trucks or buses for work.

They are the appropriate theory test, case-study test, practical driving test and vehicle-safety walkaround test.

Yes. Qualified professional drivers normally complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years.

The maximum ordinary term is 10 years.

The maximum ordinary term is five years.

The licence normally expires no later than the day before the holder’s seventy-fifth birthday, subject to Group 2 limits.

The ordinary term is three years.

A medical report is required, and a one-year or three-year licence may be issued depending on fitness.

Within three months before expiry.

Yes, for up to 10 years after expiry. After more than 10 years, the person must restart theory, learner-permit, training and driving-test requirements.

Yes, when the applicant has a Public Services Card, verified MyGovID and satisfies the online-service conditions.

Request a replacement through NDLS Online or an NDLS centre and provide the required declaration and identification.

Yes. The NDLS provides an official driver statement showing the licence record and relevant details.

Yes. A valid EU or EEA licence can be used until it expires.

No. Exchange is generally optional while the licence remains valid.

Yes. Ireland recognises qualifying UK and Northern Ireland licences under the applicable exchange arrangements.

Licences from recognised states can be exchanged when the holder, document and category meet the agreement conditions.

The resident must normally pass the Irish theory test, obtain a learner permit, complete training and pass the driving test.

A qualifying holder of a full licence from a non-exchange country can apply for reduced EDT and the six-month-rule exemption.

Yes. The original is normally submitted to the NDLS and checked with the issuing authority.

Yes. Eligible Irish or EU or EEA licence holders resident in Ireland can apply through the authorised service.

No.

No. It is valid only when used with the underlying national driving licence.

This FAQ was prepared from current RSA, NDLS and Irish government guidance, with future November 2026 rules identified separately.

This website is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with the RSA, NDLS, a theory-test provider, driving-test centre, Approved Driving Instructor or driving school.

Official legislation and instructions from the competent authority always take precedence. Last reviewed: 4 August 2026.