Full Irish Drivers License vs. International License

BogWog

I got my drivers license when I was over in America and before I moved back to Ireland I got an international license which I was able to drive legally for 6 months with. Since a handicapped 5 year old could pass the driving test in America they don't exchange U.S. licenses for Irish ones. The Irish test is 10 times harder and even people who have been driving for 20 years fail it. Theres no way I'll be able to pass that test.

I'm thinking of sorting something out with my cousins in America so they renew my license for me and send it to me. Have any of you used this International License loophole so you get some practice before you get your full Irish license?

Terrontress

Jesus Christ! Learn to drive, take the test, pass it, start to drive.

Those rules are there to protect you and other road users!

Random

If you can't pass the Irish driving test I don't want you driving on the road next to me.

Don't be using loopholes to drive badly next to me !

ardmacha

Of course you can pass the Irish test, people do after a few months driving.

dlofnep

I passed my test first time, and I'm no Michael Schumacher!

L1011

The Irish test is one of the easiest in Europe. I passed it after five and a half months driving, first time. Just do the test.

The "International licence" is an IDP which you don't even need here, because we speak English. A US licence is valid for 6 months with or without one.

slimjimmc

BogWog wrote: »

I got my drivers license when I was over in America and before I moved back to Ireland I got an international license which I was able to drive legally for 6 months with. Since a handicapped 5 year old could pass the driving test in America they don't exchange U.S. licenses for Irish ones. The Irish test is 10 times harder and even people who have been driving for 20 years fail it. Theres no way I'll be able to pass that test.

I'm thinking of sorting something out with my cousins in America so they renew my license for me and send it to me. Have any of you used this International License loophole so you get some practice before you get your full Irish license?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) does not give you any driving privileges anywhere. It is simply an internationally accepted translation of your existing national license, which must be carried with you at all times while driving.

You are allowed to drive in Ireland on your US licence (with or with an IDP) for up to 12months for a temporary visit. After that 12months your US licence is worth diddly squat and you are required to obtain an Irish driving license if you intend driving here.


There is no "International License loophole".


More info here

dlofnep

dlofnep wrote: »

I passed my test first time, and I'm no Michael Schumacher!

If you drove like Michael Schumacher you'd soon lose it again! :pac:

pwp

i passed first time too. it just takes a good bit of driving (which you already have) and then a few lessons with a good instructor. i had 4 lessons and passed my test. easy as that.

BogWog

Ah so it was just the U.S. license that let me drive in other countries. Well if some of you past it your first try it can't be that hard. I'll give it a shot. Can you bring any old car or do you have to rent a car with dual brakes?

slimjimmc

I don't know if the car must be RH drive or if LH is permitted, others might know. Generally you can use any car for the test so long as it's road legal and you're insured to drive it. Dual brakes not required. I used a driving school car when I done the test way way back in the anals of history.

Just be aware that if you pass the test in an automatic then you will only be licensed to drive autos not manuals.

L1011

Almost sure it must be right hand drive. Also has to be capable of reaching 100km/h, although thats not really a problem with any modern car. Does NOT need dual controls.

Wishbone Ash

slimjimmc wrote: »

I don't know if the car must be RH drive or if LH is permitted, others might know

MYOB wrote: »

Almost sure it must be right hand drive

There is no requirement for the vehicle controls to be on any particular side but it MUST be registered in the Republic of Ireland.

If it's a category B test, the vehicle used must have four wheels, accomodation for not more than 8 people, a DGVW not exceeding 3,500kgs and as MYOB has said, it must be capable of attaining a speed of at least 100kph.

It also must have valid tax, insurance, NCT/DOE if applicable and be roadworthy etc.