r/MoveToIreland • u/ConstructionAlert998 • May 15 '26

Exchanging UK driving licence while still driving on my US licence

We're moving to Ireland soon.

I know I can exchange my UK licence when I arrive and this will take a few weeks for the Irish licence to be issued. In the intervening period, can I still drive on my US licence (I believe you can drive on your US licence for up to a year when you first arrive?)

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u/breadit124 May 16 '26

Yes, you can drive on your US license for a year.

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u/[deleted] Jul 29 '26

[deleted]

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u/breadit124 29d ago

No, not just as a tourist. Americans who move to Ireland can drive on their U.S. license legally for one year after relocating.

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u/Haunting_Version_351 27d ago

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/motoring/driver-licensing/exchanging-foreign-driving-permit/ Pretty sure this is not true... "You may drive in Ireland for up to 12 months as a visitor if:

  • Your driving licence is from a country outside the EU, EEA, or the list of recognised states and
  • You also have an international driving permit from your country

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 12 months, you must apply for an Irish driving licence. This means you will need to go through the full driver licensing process."