You can get more information about applying for your full licence on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website, www.ndls.ie.
Novice drivers
Remember to check the rules on displaying ‘N’ plates for novice drivers to see if they apply to you. If you are a first time holder of a full driving licence, you will be considered a ‘novice driver’ for 2 years from the date you received your first full licence.
As a novice driver, you must display N-plates on your vehicle for 2 years. N-plates must be displayed on any vehicle you get a licence to drive during that 2-year period.
This novice period applies only once. For example, if you hold a driving licence for a category of vehicle and after 2 years you become entitled to drive another category of vehicle, you do not become a ‘novice driver’ for the new category.
Novice drivers do not have to have an accompanying driver (but remember that this is still the case for learner drivers). However, a novice driver must not act as an accompanying driver for someone who holds a learner permit. If a learner driver is found driving without an appropriately qualified driver (that is, a person who has held a full driving licence in the same category for a continuous period of 2 years), the learner driver has committed an offence and is liable for a fixed-charge fine or penalty points, or both.
You can get further information about the N-plate requirements on the Road Safety Authority’s website, www.rsa.ie.
Renewing your licence
A driving licence is normally valid for 10 years for cars and motorcycles or 5 years for trucks and buses; you should renew your licence before this period passes. To renew your licence, you must apply in person to one of the NDLS centres . You will need to bring: a completed application form and fee, your current or most recent full licence, and evidence of your PPSN and address (if changed) dated within last 6 months.
If you are renewing a category C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE licence, you must include a medical report.