The mutual recognition agreement
Ireland recognises Ukrainian driving licences under a bilateral mutual recognition agreement. This means if you hold a valid Ukrainian driving licence, you can exchange it directly for an Irish licence — with no theory test and no practical test required.
What categories are covered
Category B (car) is covered by the mutual recognition agreement. If you hold other categories on your Ukrainian licence (motorcycle, truck, bus), check with the NDLS (ndls.ie) whether those categories are also transferable.
Driving in Ireland while waiting to exchange
While you have a valid Ukrainian licence, you can drive in Ireland. Once you become a habitual resident of Ireland (generally after 12 months of living here), you should exchange your licence. After 12 months as a habitual resident, driving on a foreign licence is no longer valid.
How to exchange — step by step
- 1
Get your PPS number and PSC
You need both to apply online through the NDLS system.
- 2
Get a medical report
Your GP fills in form D501 confirming you are fit to drive. This costs approximately €30–€60.
- 3
Get your Ukrainian licence translated
Your Ukrainian driving licence must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. NDLS will advise on accepted translators.
- 4
Apply at ndls.ie
Apply online with a verified MyGovID account or visit an NDLS centre in person. The fee is €55. Your Ukrainian licence will be surrendered to NDLS.
Car insurance
Car insurance in Ireland can be expensive if you have no Irish insurance history. If you have a no-claims record from Ukraine, ask your insurer for a No Claims Bonus letter — some Irish insurers will partially recognise it. Shopping around is essential; prices vary significantly between insurers for the same driver.
Driving on the left
Ireland drives on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. If you are used to driving on the right, allow yourself time to adapt — particularly at roundabouts and on narrow rural roads. It is worth doing a few practice drives in a quiet area before driving in traffic.
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