Already have Automatic licence, looking for manual.

osarusan

Hi all,

I used to live in Japan and did my test there, and only have a licence for an automatic car. In Ireland now and though we brought an automatic with us, it makes sense to get a full manual licence.

I have a full Japanese automatic licence, and had it transferred to an Irish one.

I'm wondering if I just have to go through the same testing process as anybody else, or does my situation change things in any way?

Thanks.

cython

I'm afraid that you will have to go through the same process as someone only starting to drive. That is to say you will have to apply for, sit and pass a theory test for class B, and then apply for a learner permit in class B as well. Once you have held that for 6 months or more, then you can sit a test.

osarusan

cython wrote: »

I'm afraid that you will have to go through the same process as someone only starting to drive. That is to say you will have to apply for, sit and pass a theory test for class B, and then apply for a learner permit in class B as well. Once you have held that for 6 months or more, then you can sit a test.

Seriously?

I'm moving away from Ireland in about 4 months, and was hoping to get the manual licence before leaving so I'd be able to use my parents car whenever I came back for a visit.

That's completely out the window then.

UpTheSlashers

You could do your theory test now and then the driving test if your back within the next two years. Do you have a driving license or a learners permit?

J_R

Hi,

You are already holding an Irish driving licence, albeit restricted to autos, so I doubt very much that you either have to do the theory test or wait the six months.

Drop into your local Motor tax office and enquire/apply for a learners permit.

Edit: You must have a Learners permit before driving a manual or doing the test in one

ADIDriving

As you have a japanese licence Cyton is correct. A possible loophole would be to find a route to a manual Irish licence through exchanging licences. But this is probably pointless as you are leaving soon.
I expect you would be hard pushed to find a Garda who would press charges on you for driving a manual car in Ireland for a few weeks visit, if you have a full (automatic) Japanese licence?

J_R

Hi OP,

What language did you use to post .

My browser (Firefox) shows up as it being English, and can clearly read

I have a full Japanese automatic licence, and had it transferred to an Irish one.

Others must be reading your post in Japanese.

Joking aside, double check with the motor tax office and apply for the test. Average waiting time is about two months but you could ask for a cancellation and get a date much sooner.

Loved Japan, was there when the Yen was 1000 to the £1.00 - happy days.

dearg lady

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

You are already holding an Irish driving licence, albeit restricted to autos, so I doubt very much that you either have to do the theory test or wait the six months.

Drop into your local Motor tax office and enquire/apply for a learners permit.

Incorrect. As others have said, OP will have to do theory test, apply for provisional in B manual(send in your full B automatic with application) and tehn sit the test. You could do the theory test and get provisional and do the test maybe when you're back in Ireland another time?

J_R

Hi,

Abject apologies,

Just phoned a motor tax office.

Consensus of opinion (amongst the staff) was he will have to do the theory test AND wait the six months.

J_R

Hi

When phoned the motor tax also contacted the RSA,

Just received following

Because he never did a theory test in Ireland he will have to do one now. However, he will not have to wait the 6 months.Once he has his learner permit he can apply for his driving test straight away.

Alanstrainor

Cheers for the clarification J_R, it's very much appreciated.

Tbh, that's what i would have assumed, but i was basing that on posts on this forum over the years, and so wasn't 100% certain.

osarusan

I was at the local (Limerick) tax office, and they were of the uncertain opinion that I'd just have to take the practical test, and then my licence would be reissued minus the note with the limitation to automatic vehicles. They seem to have been right on the issue that I needn't wait six months though.

It's kind of frustrating that while I was allowed to transfer the licence from a Japanese to an Irish one without doing a theory test (or practical for that matter), I can't be issued a manual licence without doing a test which they alrady acknowledge (through allowing my licence transfer) I don't need to do.

Hypothetical questions only (I hope), but what would happen if I failed the test? Would my existing licence still be valid?