Ireland will not recognise the UK driving licences of people living in Ireland in the event of a no deal Brexit.
The Road Safety Authority of Ireland, a state agency, has said in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, a mutual recognition agreement would end and holders of British licences would need to apply for Irish licences or risk invalidity.
The National Driver Licence Service, which issues permits, is advising drivers to exchange their UK driving licence for an Irish driving licence before March 29, 2019. Under current arrangements a UK licence holder resident in Ireland is entitled to make such an exchange and preserve the different categories and permissions conferred by their existing permit. The exchange takes approximately 17 days to complete and is accompanied by a €55 (£48) fee.
Irish motorists who learned to drive in Northern Ireland and Britain will also need “green cards” to prove they are insured in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Because of the ongoing uncertainties, the Irish government has increased its no-deal preparations publishing a Brexit omnibus bill incorporating 16 pieces of legislation designed to help protect Ireland from the shock of the UK leaving the EU with no agreement in place.
