Driving Licence Requirements for Irish and Non-Irish Licence Holders
Irish/EU Driving Licence Holders
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If you are the holder of a full Irish or EU driving licence, GoCar Ireland require:
- All customers to be a minimum age of 21 years
- All customers to hold a full, valid, unendorsed driving licence for at least 2 years*
*As per the Road Safety of Ireland regulations, if you pass your driving test in a vehicle with automatic transmission, your driving licence will only allow you to drive a vehicle with automatic transmission. If you pass your driving test in a manual vehicle you will be licensed to drive both automatic transmission and manual cars*
Please be aware that we do not accept Learner Permits/Provisional Licences.
Non-Irish/Non-EU Driving Licence Holders
If you do not hold an Irish or EU driving licence, you may be required to provide an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on the country where your national licence was issued. If your licence requires an IDP and you provide the correct documentation, you are permitted to drive in Ireland for up to 12 months from the start of your residency.
If your licence does not require an IDP, you are still only permitted to drive in Ireland for up to 12 months.
After 12 months of residency, you can no longer drive using a non-Irish licence and must obtain a full Irish or EU driving licence to continue driving here. You must provide GoCar with your new driving licence to continue driving a GoCar vehicle. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in your account being terminated.
National Driving Licences which DO NOT require an International Driving Permit:
- Australia
- United States of America
- Canada
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- New Zealand
- Norway
- South Africa
- Switzerland
If you are not a holder of any of the above driving licences, you are required to provide an International Drivers Permit (IDP) along with your National Driving Licence at the time of sign up.
UK Driving Licence holders
If you are the holder of a UK Driving Licence and you live in the UK, you can drive here with your UK licence.
If you live in Ireland, you can no longer drive on your UK licence. You must exchange it for an Irish one.
Ukrainian Driving Licence holders
Ukrainian nationals living in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive can legally drive using their valid Ukrainian licence until March 4, 2027. You do not need to exchange it for an Irish licence or take a driving test.
However, a person who is resident in Ireland other than under temporary protection legislation (for example, with permanent residency, on a work visa or under international protection) cannot drive here on their Ukrainian licence and must have an Irish or EU licence.
All other licence types
If you are a holder of a Non-Irish or Non-EU driving licence and are required to provide an International Driving Permit, GoCar Ireland require:
- All customers to be a minimum age of 21 years
- All customers to hold a full, valid, unendorsed driving licence for at least 2 years*
*As per the Road Safety of Ireland regulations, if you pass your driving test in a vehicle with automatic transmission, your driving licence will only allow you to drive a vehicle with automatic transmission. If you pass your driving test in a manual vehicle you will be licensed to drive both automatic transmission and manual cars*
Please be aware that we only accept IDPs that are issued from the same country of origin as your national driving licence. This applies to any driving licences issued from jurisdictions outside of the EU. Any “3rd party” IDPs will not be accepted.
More information on International Driving Permits (IDPs) can be found by clicking HERE
Please note: you are required by law to carry your driving licence (and IDP where required) at all times while driving in Ireland.
