Driving in Ireland with AlertDriving
Ireland has a very modern and safe Road Network
Driving can be a challenge at the best of times and requires high levels of concentration as well as skills such as awareness and anticipation together with a good understanding of the road network and rules of the road relating to the country you are driving in.
If you are relocating to Ireland from abroad or returning to Ireland after a long time overseas it is advised that you familiarize yourself with what it is to be a safe and competent driver in Ireland.
Ireland has a very modern and safe Road Network and an extensive Motorway system which links most of the country. However, even an experienced driver, in unfamiliar surroundings can become easily disorientated and therefore familiarisation training such as AlertDriving offer is an essential prerequisite to safe driving in Ireland. This is especially so when changing from driving on the right in your own country to driving on the left here in Ireland.
Course Details:
Location Driver Training [LDT]
Driving Licence Requirements
If you have a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state
As a visitor to Ireland
If you are not from one of these recognised countries
If your stay in Ireland will be more than 12 months
You can apply for an Irish driving licence but you will need to go through the full driver licensing procedure. You must first pass a driver theory test, apply for a learner permit, complete a reduced course of six Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons and pass your driving test in Ireland.
Driving in Ireland
- In Ireland, you drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Yield to all vehicles coming from your right and always turn left on entering a roundabout.
- You must be at least 17 years old to drive in Ireland.
- Speed limits in Ireland are in kilometres.
- The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 80km/h on regional and local roads, 100km/h on national roads and 120km/h on motorways. Be sure to keep an eye out for speed signs and make sure you’re not over or you will receive an €80 fine and 3 penalty points.
- All vehicle occupants are required to wear seat belts at all times.
- For those riding on motorcycles, helmets must be worn at all times.
- Use of mobile/cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
- At all times, you are required to carry a valid driving licence; your car must display both proof of insurance and a motor tax disc and, if the car is over four years old, the National Car Test (NCT) disc must also be displayed.
- The minimum insurance you must have before you drive a car in Ireland is Third Party Only cover.
- If renting a car, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your vehicle rental agreement.
- In Ireland, the traffic light sequence is different to most other European countries. Red is the same and means stop, but straight after the red light comes the green ‘for go’ light. The amber light only comes before a red light to warn us to stop unless it is unsafe to do so.
- Drink driving limits are enforced and the legal limit for fully licensed drivers is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. For professional drivers, learner or newly qualified drivers it’s 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Whether you are a local or a tourist you must adhere to these regulations. Our recommendation is, don’t drink if driving.
Useful Links
International Driving Permit
Essential Driver Training (EDT)
Holders of Foreign Licences
For more detailed information on Driving Licence Requirements and list of recognised countries with which Ireland has driving licence exchange agreements please visit NDLS website.
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