caracusack
9/7/2016 09:13 EST
As a US citizen here on a stamp 1, do I have to go through all of the leaner courses and process to get an Irish license? My year is almost up and I am told I must get one but it makes no sense to go back to the restrictions of a learner permit. Can someone explain the process that has been through this?
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Meachair54
9/7/2016 12:05 EST
Hello Caracusack ,
You will find all the info you need on the subject of getting an Irish drivers license when you have a U.S. License if you go to NDLS.ie. Sorry to say what you heard is true , you will be like a sixteen year old starting from scratch, if that's not bad enough you will have to shell out mucho dinero for a driving course, plus hoping you will pass your road test on at least the second or third time. So I wish you the BEST !!!!
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CalamityJan
9/7/2016 15:01 EST
The most absurd part of it is, Irish drivers are the worst. Insane. They haven't a clue how to safely overtake (pass). They all think they are derby drivers. Idiots!
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DebAckley
9/8/2016 14:37 EST
When we were there we were told we would have to have a license within a year to continue our auto insurance, also. There is a website that helps you with practicing for the test. I hear many do not pass the initial driving test. We left Ireland before we got ours.
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Meachair54
9/8/2016 15:44 EST
Yes that's true they have videos you can access at the NDLS.ie site , but read the whole section on people who don't qualify to exchange their license.
There's a lot more involved, 12 hours of driving with a certified driving instructor whom you have to pay for, keeping of logbooks that have to be meticulously kept and they will be carefully reviewed by NDLS to make sure they're accurate. You must also have a sponsor to help you practice behind the wheel . This is besides the 12 hour driving course. Besides these mentioned above there's the theory test just to get the permit to get started with the six month driving course and the studying it's an involved process. Then if you get through all the above and get your drivers license you will have to have two big red "L,s" on the front and back of your car windows meaning I'm a newbie. If that's not bad enough they jack up your car insurance because you're a beginner.
Good Luck in the process !!!
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hereineir
9/12/2016 08:52 EST
CARACUSACK 1) theory test: there is an online study module that I found to be very helpful. I believe it is offered by ESA. There is a relatively small fee, but I easily aced the test, so was worth it to me. 2) The theory test is not usually taken at the same place where the learners' permit is issued. You do have to take the full range of driving lessons (12@ €40-50 each), but upon completion, you do not have to wait 6 mos. to take your road test. 3) road test: pay special attention to a) roundabouts; b) backing around a corner; c) speed limits; d) gear shifting aka 'eco-driving'; e) turning around (reversing direction) on a street. You'll be fine, but get started as your insurance company will not renew you on your US licence.
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bmc321
9/19/2016 10:38 EST
The Irish law states "you should" get an Irish drivers license after 1 year but you DO NOT have to. You can still drive on a US license & while your insurance companies will be restricted you can still get car insurance but they may charge you as a new driver so it pays to shop around. I've been living here 30 years & refuse to go thru their c..p and have NEVER had a problem when I show my US license to the Gardi.
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DebAckley
9/19/2016 17:01 EST
Our insurance agent was:
Hooper Dolan Group
Killarney Business Centre
Upper High Street
Killarney, Co Kerry
064-6634632
We worked with Frank O'Donoghue.
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hereineir
9/19/2016 17:13 EST
It's not the Gardi, it's the insurance companies. May I ask who you are insured with? My insurance company would not renew me without the Irish licence. I appreciate the info!
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DebAckley
9/19/2016 17:16 EST
We had a year to get our Irish license, but we left before the year was up. We would have stayed, but the Irish banks will not give a mortgage to us...we are retired...they do not count our pensions and SS as income...even though we had some $ in the bank....even the Irish think the banks are crazy!
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hereineir
9/19/2016 17:19 EST
BMC, who is your insurer ... I'd switch in a heartbeat if I could forego the licencing process. thanks!
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
9/19/2016 17:24 EST
In the States, banks cannot discriminate on the basis of age so they created the reverse mortgage which is increasingly popular way for seniors to fund their retirements. Irish banks need to be more creative but they are still licking their wounds from the recession.
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ACEKC
10/8/2016 04:00 EST
Yes and No. You do need to go through the majority of the process, except the 6 month L permit restriction.
So, if you already had a valid license from a qualifying country (i.e. US),
- pass driver theory test
- normally, apply for L permit. If you have valid US license (can send to them + a "letter of entitlement", then this step is waived.
- take EDT course
- pass driving test
- apply for full license
Source: https://www.ndls.ie/holders-of-foreign-licences.html#holders-of-driving-licences-from-other-countries
BUT, you still have to take lessons (seriously?!?!?), 6 months worth? - http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Driver-Training/Car-Training-EDT/The-Lessons/
AND, spend 499Euro to take lessons (whhhaaat?) - http://www.aviva.ie/online/driving/driving-school/pricesandbooking/
Or, just use your US license :)
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