Full process to get driver's license

GlobalSun

Hi all,

I have been looking into getting my driver's license in Ireland. I will be moving back to Ireland for work rather soon and I thought I'd try to get my driver's license.

I'm a French national and the process is quite complicated and expensive over there. You basically have to buy a "package" for about 1500e which includes preparation to the theory test and a couple of driving lessons. My brother got his driver's license after 8/9 months of training.

How does it work in Ireland?

Thanks,

GvidoR

1) Book and do theory test. Costs about ~€45
2) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will give send your learner permit in the post which will allow you to drive when accompanied by someone with a full licence.
3) Book and do 12 lessons. Costs about €400-€600 depending on instructor.
4) Book driving test. Costs about €85
5) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will send your full licence in the post.

Total cost: ~€650

GlobalSun

GvidoR wrote: »

1) Book and do theory test. Costs about ~€45
2) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will give send your learner permit in the post which will allow you to drive when accompanied by someone with a full licence.
3) Book and do 12 lessons. Costs about €400-€600 depending on instructor.
4) Book driving test. Costs about €85
5) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will send your full licence in the post.

Total cost: ~€650

Thank you very much!

Holysock

You'll have to get an eye sight report as well as doing the theory test before you can apply for the permit. The eye sight report must be dated within one month of the application. I got my learner permit 6 months ago and had to apply for it in person at an NDLS centre which are run by the RSA, not the county council. It's nothing to do with them

Also you have to wait 6 months from the date your permit was issued until you can sit the driving test

thesimpsons

Also you have to have in car insurance on car you are practising in. As a learner this can be quite expensive.

GlobalSun

thesimpsons wrote: »

Also you have to have in car insurance on car you are practising in. As a learner this can be quite expensive.

Yep, I know. No problem with that

Thanks for these clarifications!

STEINBERG

GvidoR wrote: »

1) Book and do theory test. Costs about ~€45
2) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will give send your learner permit in the post which will allow you to drive when accompanied by someone with a full licence.
3) Book and do 12 lessons. Costs about €400-€600 depending on instructor.
4) Book driving test. Costs about €85
5) Fill out a form and hand in certificate at your local county council. They will send your full licence in the post.

Total cost: ~€650

#2 is wrong, you do not hand anything into your local county council. Anything with regards a driving license is now dealt with by the NDLS.

See below on how to apply for a learner permit after passing your theory test. http://www.theorytest.ie/driver-theory-test/

https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply/learner-permit.html#where-it-is-your-first-application-for-a-learner-permit-you-must-submit

You will need to either book an appointment on the NDLS.ie website or avail of the walk in service.

GvidoR

Possibly, but when I was getting my learner permit, I had to go to the council.

STEINBERG

GvidoR wrote: »

Possibly, but when I was getting my learner permit, I had to go to the council.

Ya myself too had to go to the motor tax office, but it has all changed now, everything goes through the NDLS. Pain in the back side if you ask me with the amount of stupid carry on they have with license applications problems for silly things.

BuffyBot

GvidoR wrote: »

Possibly, but when I was getting my learner permit, I had to go to the council.

No possibly about it. The NDLS took over issuing of learner permits and licences in October 2013