# Exchange a driving licence from a non-recognised state | Transportation | Moving to Ireland > As you may have a valid driving license from a non recognized country, you can drive in Ireland for up to 12 months. Thereafter, you will need to obtain… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/exchange-your-existing-driving-license-non-recognized-state/ Transportation · Step 4 of 9 # Exchange a driving licence from a non-recognised state For Non-recognised licence holders 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 As you may have a valid driving license from a non recognized country, you can drive in Ireland for up to 12 months. Thereafter, you will need to obtain an Irish driving license to continue driving legally. The process for obtaining an Irish driving license varies depending on the country that issued your current driving license. As your current driving license is not from a recognized country, you will need to take the Irish driving test. The test has two parts: a theory test and a practical test. Before taking the tests, you must apply for a learner permit and have it for at least six months. During this time, you must take a course of driving lessons with an approved driving instructor. Once you have completed the required driving lessons, you can apply to take the tests. The theory test consists of multiple-choice questions about the rules of the road, road signs, and driving regulations. You must pass the theory test before you can take the practical test. The practical test involves driving with an examiner who will assess your driving skills and ability to respect the rules of the road. If you pass both tests, you will be issued an Irish driving license. ## Reduced EDT course In Ireland, the EDT (Essential Driver Training) course is a mandatory training program for all new drivers who obtained their first driving license on or after April 4, 2011. The EDT course consists of 12 one-hour lessons that cover a range of driving skills, including driving in different road and traffic conditions, maneuvering, and driving safely at night. A **reduced EDT course** is an option for drivers who hold a full driving license from another country, and who wish to obtain an Irish driving license. The reduced EDT course includes 6 one-hour lessons, rather than the full 12 lessons, as it is assumed that drivers who hold a full driving license already have some experience and knowledge of driving. The reduced EDT course is designed to help foreign drivers understand the rules of the road and driving practices in Ireland, and to ensure that they are familiar with the local driving conditions before taking the practical driving test. After completing the reduced EDT course, foreign drivers can then apply for an Irish driving license and take the practical driving test. It is important to note that driving in Ireland can be challenging, especially for those who are not used to driving on the left side of the road. It is recommended that you take driving lessons and practice driving on quiet roads before attempting to drive in busier areas. In conclusion, if you have a driving license from a non recognized country, you will need to take the Irish driving test. It is significant to prepare and practice for the tests to increase your chances of passing, and to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and driving conditions in Ireland. ## ★ Useful links - [Recognized States by Ireland](https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/motoring_1/driver_licensing/exchanging_foreign_driving_permit.html#l7aa43) ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 28% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Exchange a driving licence from a non-recognised state** — about 2 minutes more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. Still to come in this guide - Reduced EDT course [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on transportation [All 9 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/) - ### [Public Transportation System of Ireland](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/public-transportation-in-ireland/) Ireland has a relatively efficient public transport system that includes buses, trains, trams, and taxis. While it may not be as extensive as some other… 2 min read - ### [Leap card](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/leap-card/) If you’re planning to use public transport in Ireland, you might have heard about the Leap Card. This rechargeable smart card is an essential item for… 2 min read - ### [Driver's license in Ireland](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/drivers-license-in-ireland/) Getting a driving license in Ireland is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some time, effort, and preparation. In this article… 2 min read - ### [Exchange a driving licence from a recognised state](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/exchange-your-existing-driving-license-recognized-state/) As you may have a driving license is from a country that is recognized by the Irish government, you can exchange it for an Irish driving license. To… 1 min read · For Recognised licence holders Keep going ## Get the full transport roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. Tell it your passport, whether you have moved yet, and who is coming with you, and it lays out every step in order — from the visa to the bins. - Step-by-step checklist - Tailored to your passport - Pre-move & post-move - Family & pet sections [![Download Moving to Ireland on the App Store](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) ★★★★★ 4.9 on the App Store [![Expats who settled in Ireland, two five-star App Store reviews, and the Moving to Ireland app showing its relocation checklist](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-social-proof.webp)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261)