Applying for/renewing/exchanging your driving licence and other general information on licences

Driving Licences

Licence Categories

  • M - Moped up to 50cc (45KmH)
  • A1 - Motorcycle up to 125cc (11kW)
  • A “restricted” - Motorcycle over 125cc up to 350cc (25kW)
  • A - Motorcycle over 125cc
  • B - Vehicle up to 3,500kg design gross vehicle weight - max. 8 passengers
  • EB - Car and Trailer
  • W - Tractors and Work vehicles
  • C1 - Small truck less than 7,500kg DGVW
  • C - Large truck over 3,500kg DGVW
  • EC1 - Small truck and trailer combined weight no more than 12,000kg dgvw
  • EC - Large truck and trailer
  • D1 - Small bus max. 16 passengers
  • D - Large bus more than 8 passengers
  • ED1 - Small bus and trailer combined weight no more than 12,000kg dgvw
  • ED - Large Bus and trailer

NOTE: Applicant must have a Donegal Address to obtain a driving licence/learners permit in Donegal and all licences/permits must be posted out to the applicant even if they are handed in over the public counter. You can not apply for a Driving Licence/learners permit online (as there is a sticker part on the form for the persons signature that is then removed & attached to the permit/licence once issued).  

You may apply for a first learners permit for vehicles in Category: -

  • A1, A, B, M or W without any previous driving experience on completion of a Driver Theory Test in the relevant categories. 
  • C1, C, D, D1 after they have been granted a full driving licence for category B and on completion of a Driver Theory Test in the relevant categories 
  • EB, EC1, EC, ED, ED1 after they have been granted a driving licence for the appropriate drawing vehicle e.g. you must hold a driving licence for category C in order to apply for EC and on completion of a Driver Theory Test in the relevant categories.

In order to get

  • A1 you must have Theory Test + eyesight
  • A you must have Theory Test + eyesight
  • B you must have Theory Test + eyesight
  • M you must have Theory Test + eyesight
  • W you must have Theory Test + eyesight
  • C1 you must hold full B, Theory Test + Medical
  • C you must hold full B, Theory Test + Medical
  • D you must hold full B, Theory Test + Medical
  • D1 you must hold full B, Theory Test + Medical
  • EC1, you must hold full C1+ Theory Test + Medical
  • EC, you must hold full C + Theory Test + Medical
  • EB, you must hold full B + Theory Test + eyesight
  • ED, you must hold full D, Theory Test, Medical (no test is required if already hold full D & EC)
  • ED1, you must hold full D1, Theory test, Medical (no test is required if already hold full Cat D1 & Cat EC1)

Since 21st October 2006 there are four sets of theory test

  1. Category A,M,
  2. Category B,W 
  3. Category C – covers C, C1, EC, EC1 
  4. Category D – covers D, D1, ED, ED1

If an applicant has a full C, C1 issued before 25/4/2001, they will need to submit a theory test and a cert of competency to add any further C Categories to a full licence. 

A restricted

A = this category is restricted to 25Kw (up to 350cc) – restriction also continues for first two years after taking out a full licence in Category A.
Please note if an applicant took out a provisional licence before 15/11/1999 & kept licence renewed since in category A, when converting to a full – it is not restricted.

The following age restrictions apply to the different licence categories

  • Must be 16yrs: A1, M, W 
  • Must be 17yrs: B, EB 
  • Must be 18yrs: A ,C1, C, EC1, EC 
  • Must be 21yrs: D1, D, ED1, ED

To apply for a first learners permit you need the following:

  • A completed learners permit application form fully completed & signed (Form D201 obtainable from Motor Taxation Office/Post Offices or Garda Stations). Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Birth Certificate/Baptismal Certificate/Valid Passport/Certificate of Registration 
  • Marriage Certificate (if appropriate) 
  • A Medical Report (Form D501) completed by a Medical Practitioner (person whose name is entered on the General Register of Medical Practitioners of Ireland. A doctor from another EU Member State also has to have his/her name on this registere in order that a medical report signed by them is acceptable) is necessary if applying for classes C, C1, D, D1, EC, EC1, ED and ED1 or where you have answered yes to any of the disability/illnesses questions on the application form other than questions 16 and 17. Please note medical report is only valid for one month from issue. See 2nd page of licence application form for further information. 
  • An eyesight report (Form D502) for classes A, A1, B, EB and W – please note eyesight report is only valid for one month from issue. Eyesight report must be completed by an optician or doctor. Eyesight report not required if you are also submitting a medical report. Donegal Motor Tax Offices can only accept eyesight report form D502 completed by an ophthalmic practitioner/registered doctor in Republic of Ireland. 
  • Fee for 2 year learners permit  €15.00 
  • Two recent passport sized identical photographs (signed on back). Headgear or sunglasses not allowed nor are photos that have been scanned from a previous last licence (green lines running through them) or photos that have been cut from last licence 
  • Valid Theory Certificate - please note theory certificate is only valid for two years from issue. Therefore it must be presented within two years from date of issue and once submitted is considered valid indefinitely.

To apply for a second learners permit you need the following:

  • Application Form D201. Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Two recent passport sized identical photographs (signed on back) 
  • Previous provisional licence/learners permit (if licence is not available a lost licence declaration stamped at the Garda Station is required) .
  • If name has changed since last licence issued e.g. now married, you must submit copy of marriage certificate. 
  • Fee of €15.00 
  • If last provisional licence is out of date for more than five years, the application will be treated as a first time learners permit application again, e.g. theory test required, eyesight report etc.

To apply for a third learners permit you need the following:

  • Application Form D201. Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Two passport size photographs (signed on back).
  • Failure Certificate (valid for two years) or if test has not been sat within the last two years you need acknowledgement letter from the RSA, Ballina, of a Driving Test Appointment, in respect of the vehicle category in question or have evidence from a doctor of being medically unfit to sit the driving test during the period of the previous licence. Circular DC5/97 refers 
  • Previous licence/permit (if licence is not available a lost licence declaration stamped at the Garda Station is required) 
  • Fee of €15.00

Please note if failure cert (issued within the last two years) is not submitted then third learner permit will only be valid for one year.

To apply for a Full Driving Licence you need the following:

  • Completed Application Form - D401 Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Two photographs (signed on back) 
  • Your current or most recent driving licence - make sure its expiry date is within the last 10 years.- otherwise it will be dealt with as a first learner permit again & theory test, practical test etc will have to be carried out 
  • And/or provisional licence/learners permit (if this is not available you will need to submit a lost licence declaration form stamped at the Garda Station).

And, If Required In Your Case:

  • Certificate of Competency - if converting from provisional/permit to full (certificate only valid for two years from date of issue). Please ensure that you do not alter or amend the certificate in any way e.g. mark extra category/categories otherwise the Motor Tax Office can not accept it. Cert of Competency from Garda or Army is valid for 5 years. if you lost your cert of competency you need to contact RSA, Ballina for a duplicate. 
  • Medical Report for:
    - categories C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1, ED (regardless of age)
    - any applicant aged 70 years and over,

When the applicant does not submit a medical to renew any higher categories of licence held, the system will automatically only issue Categories A1, A, B, EB, W if previously held.

Persons who have submitted a medical report in connection with a provisional licence application in respect of C1, C, D1, D EC1, EC, ED1 or ED within the preceding five years shall be exempt from submitting a medical report with a first full licence application in respect of the said categories. The expiry of the full licence must not exceed the expiry of the medical. Medical Form must be stamped by a Medical Practitioner registered in Ireland. (Road Traffic Regulations 2006).

  • Fee of €25 for 10 year licence, €15.00 for 3 year licence or €5.00 for 1 year licence (if doctor states on medical report that licence should only issue for one year) 
  • Any change of name when converting from learner permit to full licence must be accompanied by proof e.g. Marriage Cert or Deed Poll (PROOF OF NEW NAME ON TWO GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS)

If over 70years of age, the licence will issue free of charge as from February 2002.

  • If an application is received from an over 60 but under 67, the 10-year licence will expire on the day before 70th birthday. 
  • An application from an over 67 will be for 3 years.

A Full licence can only be issued for the category that the Certificate of Competency was issued for. If there are any other categories remaining on the provisional licence/learners permit,  a free in lieu learners permit can be issued if necessary.

Certificate of Competency in Category C
Entitles a driver to a full C, C1 – must have full B, medical report

Certificate of Competency in Category EC
Entitles a driver to a full EC, EC1and EB – must have full C, medical report

Certificate of Competency in Category D
Entitles a driver to a full D, D1 – must have full B, medical report

A driver is entitled to a full ED, ED1 if they hold a full licence in cat B, C, EC and D, medical report, NO Certificate of Competency needed .

On or after 21st October, 2006 an applicant applying for a full category 'B' licence for the first time will no longer be automatically entitled to category 'M' on their full licence. Applicant will have to undergo a separate test in either 'A', 'A1' or 'M' in order to be entitled to category 'M' on a full licence. 

If an applicant has held a full licence in any of the following categories 'B', 'EB', 'C1', 'EC1', 'D1', 'ED1', 'D', or 'ED' at any time during the 10 year period preceding the commencement date of these regulations i.e. 21st October, 1996 - 20th October, 2006, then he/she is entitled to category 'M' on their full licence.

 To apply for a Duplicate Licence

A person applies for a duplicate driving licence when they have lost/destroyed their current full or provisional licence/learners permit i.e. a licence that is still in date.

  • Application Form D800 must be completed & signed by applicant & witnessed at Garda Station. Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Two identical passport sized photographs (signed on back) 
  • Appropriate Fee of €10.00 (over 70s are obliged to pay for their duplicate licence)

Please note if original licence is found after obtaining a duplicate licence, the original licence must be surrendered to your nearest Motor Taxation Office as the duplicate renders the original licence invalid. It is illegal to hold two licences at the same time.

Where a licence is destroyed/damaged by perhaps putting it through the washing machine & its is no longer readable, the driver must get the D800 Duplicate driving licence form signed in the Garda Station even though they still have the physical licence. Surrender the damaged licence to the Motor Tax office with the completed D800 form who will issue a duplicate licence, fee of €10.00 applies.

 

Free in lieu licences

The applicant is asked to complete an application form and to submit two new passport size photographs.

FIL can be issued for the following reasons:

  • Incorrect information printed on licence such as date of birth, place of birth etc.
  • Change of Address 
  • Change of surname (married name) must submit marriage cert & marriage signature must be on the application form on the sticky section.
  • Add Higher Categories to Licence
  • Add categories to provisional licence /learners permit 
  • Removal of Endorsement stamps 
  • See below for procedure for "lost in post from M.T.O.”

Lost in Post from M.T.O.

If a free in lieu stock item is being issued because the original has been lost in the post from the Motor Tax Office. The Office must wait 14 days from date item was posted out before issuing a FIL. The applicant has to complete a duplicate licence application form D800  & get it stamped at the local Garda Station and another licence will be issued free of charge.

Application for a FIL (lost in post reason) must be submitted within 3 months of the original issue otherwise the relevant duplicate fee will be applicable. 

Exchange Driving Licence

The Department of Transport has advised those who have a valid licence issued by a member state need not exchange, as in accordance with EU Directive 91/439/EEC there is mutual recognition of national driving licences issued by member states without any obligation to exchange licences.

To exchange a driving licence the following is required:

  • Full licence from other country - See List of Recognised Exchange Countries Below. If the foreign licence is not available the applicant must submit certified details from the Authority that issued the licence. A form D8 (a) Lost Licence declaration must also be submitted. The Counterpart Driving Licence of the credit card style full U.K. licence must be submitted when applying for exchange of driving licence.
  • Full application form D401 to be completed. A “Care of” address is not acceptable. Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs). 
  • Exchange of Driving Licence Form D900 
  • Two identical passport sized photographs (signed on back by applicant)
  • Appropriate Fee 
  • A medical report must be submitted (if higher categories or over 70 ) or if you answer yes to any of the medical questions apart from questions 16 and 17.
  • If the foreign licence is out of date, an exchange may not be guaranteed, Exchange is dependent on the licensing authority providing the necessary information to the Motor Tax Office to facilitate an exchange.

The Motor Tax office concerned will write to the relevant licensing authority enclosing a copy of the exchange licence & request confirmation of its validity prior to issuing a full Irish licence. it may take 3-4 weeks to receive a response & in this instance you may if t you wish hold onto the foreign licence & the MTO will contact you when the exchange confirmation has been received & then proceed with the application. Customers who submit their applications by post will be written to advising of the above policy & a copy of their licence returned to them in case they are stopped by the guards etc. in the interim.


Regarding queries with respect to insurance companies insisting on an exchange, this is a matter solely between the applicant and the insurance company.

NOTE ONLY FULL DRIVING LICENCES CAN BE EXCHANGED. Please note that a provisional licence and certificate of competency from another country cannot be submitted for exchange. The licence must have been converted to full in the particular country first.
Provisional licences are only valid in the jurisdiction they are issued.


E.U. States
Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom

European Economic Area
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

Recognised States
Australia (Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia), Austria, Gibraltar, Guernsey,Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland

EU countries can drive on their national licence as long as it is valid. All other countries listed must exchange their national licence for an Irish licence after 1year of taking up residence. [Statutory Instrument No. 352 of 1999, Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999].

Countries not listed above can drive on their national licence for a period of 1 year from arrival in Ireland. [Statutory Instrument No. 384 of 1992, Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (International Circulation)(Order1992]. If persons plan to stay longer than 1year, it will be necessary to start the process of applying for an Irish learner permit.

If an Irish driver who holds a full Irish driving licence emigrates to a country that has an arrangement with Ireland they have the option to exchange their licence for a licence in the country they now live in. The Irish licence will be returned to the issuing M.T.O.


ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION

  • Persons born in Republic of Ireland – Birth Cert/Baptismal Certificate/Passport 
  • Persons born in UK – Passport, Birth Cert. 
  • Persons born anywhere else in the world –Passport or Certificate of Registration Card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), this photo ID card is sky blue in colour, gives the persons name, DOB & Nationality etc.
  • Marriage Certificate is required if name differs to that on Birth Certificate or Passport. It is also required on renewal of licence application if name has changed.
  •  Driver Theory Test Information

    Under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2001, a theory test certificate must be obtained before you can apply for a first provisional/learners permit licence. It was designed to examine the driving knowledge of novice drivers.

    From 21st October 2006 there are four sets of theory test
  • Category A, M,
  • Category B, W 
  • Category C – covers C, C1, EC, EC1 
  • Category D – covers D, D1, ED, ED1

There are 40 questions in the test and candidates have to answer 35 questions correctly to be successful. You have 45 minutes to answer the 40 questions in the test.
Your theory test will check your knowledge about areas such as:

  • the rules of the road, 
  • risk perception, 
  • hazard awareness, and 
  • good driving behavior.

The test is conducted at a nation-wide network of 41 Test Centres and uses a user-friendly computerised system. If you have a special need or disability that may require special arrangements to take your test e.g. Dyslexia, other reading, hearing or language difficulties please ensure you indicate same on the form and the Driver Theory Test HQ, Co Louth will contact you to make the necessary arrangements

Donegal has 3 Driver Theory test centres: -

  • Derrybeg: Seaview Hotel, Bunbeg, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
  • Donegal Town: Mill Park Hotel, The Mullins, Killybegs Road, Donegal
  • Letterkenny: 108 Lower Main Street, Letterkenny Co Donegal

There are four separate theory tests dependent on the vehicle categories, which the person wishes to have on their learner permit or driving licence. These are set out in the following table;

Theory Test Certificate Category Category
A,  M A, A1, M
B, W B, EB, W
C C, C1, EC and EC1
D D, D1, ED and ED1


Where to apply
Prometric Ireland, Regional Contact Centre, P.O. Box 788, Togher, Co Cork (New address July 2008)

Tel: 1890 606 106/1890 616 216 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.
Irish Language 1890 606 806 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.
Text phone 1890 616 216 Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm

To book online log on to www.dtts.ie or www.theorytest.ie

Have a credit card and PPSN (formerly RSI number) to hand.

Rate of Theory Test Application €35.60 as from 12th December 2005


Duplicate Cert fee of €15.00, application must be made to Driver Theory Test HQ, Co Louth

If an applicant already holds a provisional licence/learners permit in category in Column 1 below and has presented a theory cert within the last two years, and wants to add the category set out in Column 2, they do not need to present a Theory Test Certificate

Column 1 Column 2
Existing Provisional Licence/permit Entitlement Categories which may be added to Provisional/permit without Theory Test
A1 M
A A1 and M
B M and W
C  C1
D  D1
EC  EC1
ED ED1



Please note Theory Test Certificates cease to be valid unless within two years after the date of issue it is submitted to the appropriate licensing authority with an application for a learner permit or a driving licence as appropriate.

Critical factor is the Theory Test Certificate must be presented within two years from date of issue and once submitted is considered valid indefinitely.

For example if an applicant submitted a theory certificate three years ago but within the two year period from date of issue, the department view that certificate as valid to issue a licence for an additional category providing the theory certificate covers same.


Driver Testing Information

Driver testing in Ireland is carried out directly by the Department of Transport to a standard that complies with the EU Directive on Driving Licences. Testing is conducted out of 54 test centres throughout the country and where possible, your test will be arranged for the centre you nominate on your application form.

In October 2006 the Department of Transport signed a contract with SGS Ireland Ltd to outsource 40,000 driving tests with a view to reducing waiting times for driving tests. There are now approx 50 additional test centres where you may sit your test.

You must be normally resident in Ireland and have an Irish correspondence address. Normal residence is taken to be the place where the person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each calender year.

What is the purpose of the Driving Test?

The driving test is designed to establish whether you

  1. Know the Rules of the Road
  2. Have the knowledge and skill to drive competently in accordance with those rules
  3. Drive with due regard for the safety and convenience of other road users.

Preparing for your Driving Test

You Should:

  1. study carefully the Rules of the Road Booklets
  2. seek assistance of a good driving instructor
  3. practice driving as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations, including driving at night
  4. build up your driving experience and confidence before applying for your test

There are 3 locations in Donegal

  1. Government Offices, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
  2. 5 Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
  3. Park House, St. Mary's Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Two new centres were established in Donegal in the summer of 2007 at Donegal Town & Letterkenny within the existing NCT centres. Drivers still complete same test application form & return it to Ballina in the normal manner – If appointment given is for sitting test at these new locations driver should ring Lo call – 1890 927 218 for queries on their test appointment. Fax number 01 4135996 or e mail drivertesting@sgs.com 


The appropriate fee for the category of test must accompany your driving test application.

Category of Vehicle Fee for Test at 7/4/09 
Categories A, A1, B, EB, M and W 75 euro
Categories C, C1, D and D1 110 Euro
Categories EC, EC1, ED and ED1 110 Euro
CPC Driving Test (Bus Category)

Part 1 €110

Part 2 €32


Payment should be made by cheque, postal order or money order. These should be crossed and made payable to the Minister for Transport. Fees are non-refundable.
Ten days notice must be given if you need to cancel your driving test, otherwise the fee is forfeit. You may cancel 2 appointments without forfeiting your fee or having to make a new application.


Where to apply

Driving Testing Section,
Government Offices,
Department of Transport,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.
Telephone: LoCall: 1890 40 60 40 (calls charged at local rate from anywhere in the country) or (096) 24200
Fax: (096) 24400 

You can also apply for your driving test online using http://www.drivingtest.ie

"Rules of the Road " Booklets can be purchased at Post Offices and some book shops.

Your appilication for the test will normally be acknowledged by post within 5 days. if you do not receive an acknowledgement within 10 days you should contact the Driving Test Section at the number above.

You can also view the waiting list times/pass rates for each test centre by logging on to the address above .



International Licences:

International driving licence permits are not dealt with by Motor Tax offices
Apply to Automobile Association, Dublin
Telephone No.: 01 – 6179988
Click on http://www.aaireland.ie for more details

Disqualification

A disqualification prevents the driver from holding a licence during a particular period.
If the driver has a current driving licence when a disqualification is handed down they must surrender this licence for endorsing purposes (Sect 21 of RTA 2004). The licence must be handed into the District Court Office, which in turn forward it to Lifford HQ,

If the licence is handed into the Court, the Court Clerk will duly endorse the particulars on the licence and then forward same to Lifford HQ. The disqualification details are then entered on the driver record & Lifford HQ retains the licence until such time as the driver concerned contacts the office & requests the return of same when the disqualification expires or in some cases until such time as an application is made by the driver to the Court to have the Licence restored earlier

If the driver does not hold a current licence at the time of disqualification he/she may not be issued a licence during the period of disqualification.
§ The type and length of disqualification depends on the courts.
§ A driver may be disqualified in one or all categories.
The driver may also be ordered to sit a driving test in a particular category after the disqualification has ended. If this is the case the driver may only be issued with a learner permit in that category. See note below

Section 26(2)
This means that the Court ruled that the driver has been disqualified and must re-sit the driving test before they can be issued with another licence. The Court will specify which categories the driver must re-sit and when the disqualification period has expired the driver can only apply for a provisional licence/learners permit for the specified categories. in this situation the driver does not ahve to wait 6months to take the test. 

Endorsement

Endorsements last on a valid licence for three years, they may be issued by the court on their own or with a disqualification.
If issued along with a disqualification the endorsement always follow the end of a disqualification, i.e. if disqualified the licence will carry a disqualification stamp and a convicted of endorseable offence stamp which must remain on a current driver licence for a total of three years.
Endorsements do not prevent a driver from holding a licence.
If you also hold a current provisional licence/learners permit for a higher category the provisional licence/permit must also be endorsed as well as the full licence.
Details of an endorsement are recorded on the National Vehicle Driver Computer System and on the physical licence.
The District Court Clerk endorses the physical licence & sends the details of the conviction to Lifford HQ for entering on the computer system.
If a current licence does not exist at the end of the disqualification and a subsequent licence is issued this must be stamped, the licence can be stamped by the Motor Tax Office issuing the subsequent licence.

Once an endorsement has been on a licence for three years, a FIL can be issued by the motor tax office to remove same on request from the driver.

U.K. or other E.U. Licences

If the holder of a Full Licence, which is recognised in the Republic of Ireland, is disqualified from driving at a sitting of Court in the Republic of Ireland, the licence will be forwarded by the District Court to Dublin City Council. Dublin City Council will return the licence to the driver when the disqualification has expired.


Penalty Points : For more information log onto www.penaltypoints.ie

The Road Traffic Acts 1961-2006 are the legislative basis for the system of penalty points. Under the Irish Penalty Points system a driver accumulating 12 points within a 3-year period will automatically lose their driving licence for 6 months. Penalty points were first introduced in October 2002. As of 3rd April 2006 penalty points apply to 36 road traffic offences. Motor Tax offices can issue letters for drivers confirming the number of penalty points (if any) they have on their driver record. This letter may be required by Insurance companies.
Penalty points on Northern Ireland/UK licences do not transfer over to ROI licences.

Motor Tax offices do not deal directly with the penalty point system.
When a person commits an offence that attracts penalty points a notice will issue from the RSA. The points only apply on the licence record 28 days after the date of issue of the notice. The date of the offence, the issue of the Garda Fixed charge notice, the payment of the charge or the court date have no bearing on when the penalty points are applied to a licence record.

Note if a licence record is not current the penalty points will only apply whenever the licence is renewed. Points remain on a current licence record for a period of 3 years from the start date. The driver has the option to renew the licence during the 6-month disqualification period as the disqualification period can only run on a valid licence record. E.g. licence expires 2 months into the 6 month disqualification period & driver doesn’t renew for a year then the remaining 4 month period of disqualification does not continue to count down until the licence is renewed again.

Maximum Number of Penalty Points
On reaching/exceeding the maximum number of penalty points the following procedure will apply the VRU will notify the driver of his/her pending disqualification and notice will also be sent to the relevant Local Authority for information purposes only

  • The notification will be sent to the driver 28 days in advance of the commencement of the disqualification
  • The driver has 14 days from the date of commencement of the disqualification to surrender his/her licence to the motor tax office.
  • The Onus is on the driver to contact the Motor Tax office once the disqualification has expired to retrieve their licence.
  • After 42 days from the notification date VRU will contact the Gardaí if the driving licence hasn’t been surrendered

All queries regarding actual offences should be referred to the relevant Garda Station.