Driving test - 6 month after theory test rule

wil

Specific question re the restriction from doing your driving test until 6 months after passing the theory test.

Is there some form of waiver possible in relation to a driver with a full driving licence from a non-EEA etc country where it is possible to take your test sooner on production of full licence.(not an exchangeable licence)?

I think I came across this in some official documentation a while back but cant locate it now.
There didnt seem to be any exemption from the compulsary lessons from what I recall.
The rule of obligatory paid lessons makes sense for young or inexperienced drivers, but is essentially a financial exercise for experienced drivers from non-EEA (etc) countries.

Yes I know you can debate the difference in driving abilities etc between countries, having learned in one of the most consistently safe countries in the world, here was scary by comparison. It has improved....
A single lesson should be sufficient to decide if an experienced driver needs more.
Current rules allow a person to drive unhindered and unrestricted on a full non-exchangeable licence for a year after arrival in Ireland.

So not asking for debate, or details of the exchange licence rules, or IDL suggestions, just simple clarification from anyone who knows of this quite an obscure aspect of the rules.

MascotDec85

The short answer is yes.

I'd a pupil from Brazil who had a full Brazilian licence. She had to do the theory test, get her Irish learner permit and do the EDT lessons. She didn't have to wait 6 months to sit her test though.

Motor-Ed

MascotDec85 wrote: »

The short answer is yes.

I'd a pupil from Brazil who had a full Brazilian licence. She had to do the theory test, get her Irish learner permit and do the EDT lessons. She didn't have to wait 6 months to sit her test though.

The Full licence has to be still valid

ProudDUB

If you have a full license from another country, you don't have to wait the six months to sit your test. You still have to do the theory test, get your learner permit & do your 12 lessons etc etc. But when the 12 lessons are all done, you can apply to do your test & you don't have to have had your learner permit for six months.

You have to send your application and your license (from the other country) and verification of that license off to Testing HQ in Ballina. When they get it, you'll go into the queue along with every one else & they will assign you the first available date. You'll get your foreign license back in the post in about 2 weeks.

The verification documentation varies country by country. My license was from the US, so I had to get a letter from the Georgia Dept of Transport verifying that my US license was current and valid. I was able to do it on line, after I paid GDoT a fee of $10, so its easier than it sounds. I imagine most countries have something similar in place.

Here is the relevant link from the RSA. Scroll down to How Do I Apply For A Driving Test.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Licensed-Drivers/Driving-licence/Holders-of-foreign-licenses/

wil

Excellent, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks all.:)
I recalled reading it in a pdf, but dont know where.

ProudDUB

No probs. The Road Safety Authority's website, or citizensinformation.ie are usually the best sources you have a question about the drivers license process.