You need a Driving Licence to drive on public roads in Ireland. You can apply for a driving licence after you pass a driving test.

You can get a licence for 3 or 10 years duration. However, if you are over 70 you can only get a licence for 1 year’s duration.

When your licence expires you need to renew it.

Apply for a Driving Licence

To apply for your licence, follow these steps:

Step 1: Get a Certificate of Competency 

You will receive a Certificate of Competency when you pass your driving test. To sit a driving test, complete the following application form.

• Download a Driving Test application form (PDF 32Kb) 
• Or contact us at the address below to request a copy

Step 2: Complete the Driving Licence Application Form D401

The Driving Licence Application Form D401 is available from public libraries and Garda Stations.

Alternatively contact us at the address below and we will send you form D401.

Step 3: If necessary complete the Medical Report form D501

This document certifies that you are fit to drive.

• Download a Medical Report Form D501 (PDF 482Kb)
• Íoslódáil Ceadúnas an Tuairisc Liachta D501 (PDF 269Kb)
• Or contact us at the address below to request a copy

You only need to complete a Medical Report D501 if:

• You are over 70 or will be 70 on the day your licence is issued.
• You answer ‘Yes’ to any of the medical questions on Application Form D201 below.
• You require a licence for a category of vehicle other than an ordinary car(i.e Categories other than M, A1, A, B and EB). View a list of all licence categories.

To complete the form, make an appointment with a doctor. He/she will complete the form for you.

Step 4: Return all documentation to us

Please also enclose the following:

• Your Learner Driving Permit.
• Two identical passport type photos, signed by you on the reverse.
• A cheque or postal order for the appropriate fee made payable to ‘Dublin City Council’. Do not enclose cash.
• 1 year licence:  €15
• 3 year licence: €15
• 10 year licence: €25

If you have lost your Learner Driving Permit (or Provisional Licence), you must complete the ‘Lost or Stolen Expired Licence Form D8A’. This form must also be stamped at a Garda Station.

• Download a Lost or Stolen Expired Licence Form D8A (PDF 84Kb)
• Or contact us at the address below to request a copy

Step 5: We will send you your Driving Licence

You will receive your Driving Licence by post within 10 days.