Irish road authority has a license exchange program where it allows drivers from recognized licensing countries to exchange their driving licenses to Ireland without taking a theory test or driving test after a designated period. But Singapore is not among these recognized countries. In other words, if you hold a driving license from Singapore, you will not be able to exchange your license to get an Irish license. Instead, you can only get your vehicle to roads – after the permitted period of 12 months – after passing the theory test and getting a learner’s permit.

Here is what you should know about the licensing procedure in Ireland.

You can Drive for the First 12 Months

If you have held a driving license in an overseas country, you are allowed to drive in Ireland for the first twelve months of your stay or as a tourist in the country. After the lapse of this period, you will apply for a theory test that will make you eligible for a learner’s permit in Ireland.

Applying for Theory Test

You can only apply for the theory test after meeting these two criteria:

You need to prove your normal residence in Ireland – that is, you will stay in the country for more than 185 days every year.

At the time of application, you should have stayed at least 12 months in Ireland.

While booking the test, you will be asked to provide your photographic ID, select the most suitable test center and time, choose the test language between English and Irish, and make the payment.

Taking the Theory Test

Note that the Ireland theory test demands more knowledge of road safety than is offered by common sense; so, candidates must proactively prepare for it.

On the appointment date, the test center staff will verify your identity and escort your test chamber for a computer-based test of 45 minutes. It will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions and you need to answer at least 35 correctly to pass.

On passing, you will get a theory test certificate which you can use to apply for the learner’s permit.

The Learner’s Permit

Use your certificate to apply for a learner’s permit. You will also need identity proof and medical and vision forms to submit.

When you receive the learner’s permit, you can start taking driving lessons (EDT). Consult with the authority to know the exemption you get for this necessary training because of your past driving experience and your knowledge of driving etiquette.

Once you have completed the training and held your permit for six months, book a driving test.

Driving Test

This test will make you eligible for a full driving license. It has two parts. The first part assesses your technical understanding of the vehicle and the second analyzes your application of road safety rules while driving.

After you have expressed your skills and passed the test, you need to apply for a driving license.

Take Away

As a Singapore expat in Ireland, you may not exchange your driving license from your home country for an Irish driving license. But based on your experience, the road authority in Ireland will decrease the EDT requirement.