Full driving licence
You need a full driving licence for the category of vehicle that you intend to drive. You can drive only the category or categories of vehicle for which the licence is issued.
Examples of full driving licence
New style
Old style
Applying for your full licence
You may apply for your driving licence in person at any one of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres located around the country or apply online. When attending your appointment at the NDLS centre, you must bring with you:
- a completed application form;
the relevant fee; your current or most recent learner permit; and evidence of your PPSN and address (if changed) dated within last 6 months.
You must allow your photograph to be taken as part of your application.
With the application for your first licence, you must include your certificate of competency to drive (outlined in Section 3). You may also need to supply other documents, such as a medical report, depending on your circumstances. A licence will not be granted to you if you have a driving licence which has been restricted, suspended or withdrawn in another EU Member State or a country recognised for driving licence exchange.
To apply for a driving licence, you must be able to demonstrate that you are normally resident in Ireland. If you are studying or working abroad, you may still be considered normally resident in Ireland provided you return here regularly.