Ukrainian refugees allowed to swap driving licence for Irish one

Ukrainian refugees in Ireland can now exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for an Irish driving licence, the Department of Transport has announced.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan signed an order on Friday that will allow Ukrainians temporarily resident in Ireland under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive to drive cars in Ireland, if they exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for an Irish one.

The new licence will be valid for 12 months and will apply to cars only.

An application to exchange a licence can be made in any National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre. An appointment to attend an NDLS centre can be booked online or by phoning 0818-919090.

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Mr Ryan said the new measures would operate much like renting a car when in a different country, urging the new arrivals to familiarise themselves with the Irish road system.

“I hope that this order ... will give Ukrainians who have sought to find shelter in Ireland greater freedom to explore our country, but importantly to be able to access work, school, college or to visit family and friends while they are here.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will provide information on their website, including a detailed list of frequently asked questions for Ukrainian drivers, which covers topics such as driving a car in Ireland and vehicle safety.

Road laws

Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, said information on Irish road laws in the Ukrainian language would be made available.

The RSA will also update other relevant government and non-government organisations on the details of the licence exchange arrangements.

“The RSA will have a presence at ferry ports to provide information to Ukrainian refugees arriving by car and we are making arrangements to provide information for all refugees already in the country,” Mr Waide said.

“The National Driver Licence Service, which is operated on behalf of the RSA, is also geared up to accept applications for licence exchange from Ukrainian refugees.”

This new move comes after the announcement of increased and enhanced public transport services to Ukrainians placed in more rural locations, which is also part of the broader Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, according to the department.