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.
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.
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
Send all the above documentation back to us at the address below
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.
Step 5: We will send you your Driving Licence
You will receive your Driving Licence by post within 10 days.