Driving licences & vehicle categories

You must hold a current driving licence or a learner permit (from the 30th October 2007) before driving any motor vehicle in a public place. You can drive only the type of vehicle for which you hold a licence/permit. And you must carry your driving licence/learner permit at all times when driving.

This section describes when and how to apply for or renew a driving licence. It also describes the different categories of vehicle to which the licences apply.

Vehicle categories & age requirements

The following table outlines the types of vehicle you may drive under each category of licence/permit and the age you must reach before applying for a first provisional licence in the relevant category.

Category Vehicle(s) covered Minimun age
Category A Motorcycles - with or without a side-car. There are restrictions on this category of licence. The maximum power output cannot exceed 25 kW or a power/weight ratio of 0.16kW per kg. This restriction continues for a period of two years after obtaining a full category A licence. 18
Category A1 Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less, and a power rating of 11kW or less. 16
Category B Vehicles (other than motorcycles - mopeds - work vehicles or land tractors) with a design gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg or less, and seating for up to 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 17
Category C Vehicles (other than work vehicles or land tractors) with a design gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500kg, and seating for up to 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 18
Category C1 Vehicles in category C with a design gross vehicle weight of 7,500kg or less. These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 18
Category D Vehicles with seating for more than 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 21
Category D1 Vehicles in category D with seating for 9 to 16 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 21
Category EB Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:
  • the towing vehicle is in category B, and
  • the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg.
17
Category EC1 Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:
  • the towing vehicle in category C1 and the trailer have a combined design gross vehicle weight of 12,000kg or less, and
  • the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle.
18
Category EC Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:
  • the towing vehicle is in category C, and
  • the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg and includes an articulated unit.
18
Category ED1 Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:
  • the towing vehicle in category D1 and the trailer have a combined design gross vehicle weight of 12,000kg or less, and
  • the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle,
  • the trailer may not be used for transporting people.
21
Category ED Combinations of vehicles and trailers when the towing vehicle is in category D, and the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg. 21
Category M Mopeds with a maximum design speed of 45km/h or less with an engine capacity of 50cc or less. 16
Category W Work vehicles and land tractors with or without a trailer ¥ the trailer may not be used for transporting people 16

If you are under 16 years of age you must not use any vehicle in a public place.

Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) is the term used by manufacturers for the weight of the vehicle together with the maximum load it is designed to carry (including passengers, fuel, cargo and attachments). The design gross vehicle weight is usually shown on a metal plate attached to the vehicle by the manufacturer.

You must understand the carrying capacity of your vehicle or you are at serious risk of having a crash or causing harm.

Overloading will reduce your ability to control your vehicle and is an offence.

Conditions for driving categories

Motorcycles

Category A provisional licence holders are entitled to drive motorcycles with:

  • an engine power output of 25kW or less, or
  • a power/weight ratio of 0.16kW/kg or less.

The restriction applies for as long as you hold a provisional licence for this category and continues for the first two years of a full category A licence.

It is your responsibility to check the power of the motorcycle. If you are in any doubt, consult with the dealer/manufacturer.

Provisional Driving Licence or Learner Permit

From 30th October 2007 the learner permit has replaced the existing provisional licence. A learner permit is issued to allow a person to learn to drive. Before you apply for your learner permit you must pass your driver theory test. In the interest of your safety and that of other road users, you must meet certain conditions attached to the learner permit, while you are driving. More details in the Before you are a fully licensed driver section.

If you hold a current provisional licence you will not have to apply for a learner permit until it expires.

You must have a current provisional licence or learner permit to take your driving test and your licence/permit must be for the same category of vehicle as the one you will use in your test. More details in The driving test section.

All categories of licences are subject to review. To ensure compliance with EU and Irish road safety policy, you are advised to check the website www.rsa.ie regularly.

Applying for a first Learner Permit

When you apply for your learner permit you must include two signed passport photographs and the fee with your application form. You may also need to give evidence of your identity, unless you hold a driving licence for another category of vehicle or from another country. The following table outlines what else you will need when applying for a learner permit. More details in the Vehicle categories & age requirements section.

The learner permit will replace the existing provisional licence. In the interest of road safety, the learner permit will introduce more rigorous requirements for the use of vehicles on the roadway by learner drivers. Full details will be available at www.rsa.ie.

First Provisional Licence

Category of first provisional What you need
categories A1
A
B
M
W
  • Application form
  • Photograph (2 signed passport size photos)
  • Fee
  • Theory Test Pass Certificate
  • Evidence of Identity
  • Medical report, if applicable
  • Eyesight report
Picture of different size trucks and lorries C1
C
D1
D
  • Application form
  • Photograph (2 signed passport size photos)
  • Fee
  • Theory Test Pass Certificate
  • Medical report (all applicants)*
  • Proof of full licence for category B vehicle
Pic of car with caravan EB
  • Application form
  • Photograph (2 signed passport size photos)
  • Fee
  • Theory Test, if applicable
  • Medical report, if applicable
  • Proof of full licence for category B vehicle
Pic of large vehicles, articulated lorries etc. EC1
EC
ED1
ED
  • Application form
  • Photograph (2 signed passport size photos)
  • Fee
  • Medical report (all applicants)*
  • Proof of full licence for the appropriate towing vehicle (for example category C if applying for a category EC licence)

* You will also need to have medical assessments from time to time when you have a full licence for these categories and/or when you renew.

Eyesight and medical reports

  • You can get eyesight and medical report forms from your local motor tax office or from the Road Safety Authority website.
  • A registered doctor or ophthalmic optician must fill in the eyesight report form.
  • You must then sign it in front of them.
  • A registered doctor must complete the medical report form.
  • You must then sign it in front of them.

When you must supply a medical report

Not all applicants need to supply a medical report. However, you must supply one if any of the following statements applies to you.

  • You are applying for a provisional licence in any of the categories C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED.
  • You will be 70 years of age or more on the first day the provisional licence is being granted.
  • You have any of the conditions listed in Appendix 1 at the back of the book.
  • You are taking drugs or medications that are likely to affect your driving.

Note:

  1. If you suffer from a serious medical condition, for example irregular or abnormally fast or slow heart beat (arrhythmia) that has ever caused you to lose consciousness, then make sure you visit a doctor before you apply for a licence.
  2. You are not allowed to hold a provisional licence if you depend on or regularly abuse mind-altering substances.

Talk to your doctor if you have any doubts about your physical or mental fitnessto drive.

You can get full details of the conditions attached to provisional licences on the Road Safety Authority website.

Trailers

Cars and trailers

If you hold a Full category B licence, you may tow a trailer only if:

  • the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer is 750kg or less, or
  • the unladen (empty) weight of your towing vehicle is at least the same as the trailer's design gross vehicle weight, and the combined design gross vehicle weight of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg.

When using a car to tow a heavier trailer, you must hold a category EB licence.

Heavier vehicles and trailers

You must hold a Category EC, EC1, ED or ED1 Licence if you want to tow a heavier trailer. These are the licences that entitle you to drive the combinations of the towing vehicles and the trailer (see page 12).

Picture of a large single deck bus alongside a large articulated lorry

Heavy goods vehicles and buses

You must obey the law on tachographs. For full information please visit the Road Safety Authority website.

If you drive a heavy goods vehicle or a bus for payment you must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) from September 2008 (Bus Drivers) and September 2009 (HGV Drivers).

REMEMBER You must not supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to anyone who is under 16 years of age for use in a public place. The word "supply" means sell, hire, loan, gift or provide in any other way. If you do, you can be fined up to €3,000 or face up to six months imprisonment.

Medical requirements for driving

If you have any of the diseases or disabilities listed below, you must supply a medical report when applying for a driving licence.

  • Alcoholism
  • Any physical disability likely to affect your ability to drive safely
  • Any illness that requires you to regularly use psychotropic drugs
  • Any illness or disease that requires you to regularly take medication likely to affect your ability to drive safely
  • Cardiovascular diseases (those relating to the heart and blood system), diabetes, serious diseases of the blood
  • Diplopia (double vision), defective binocular vision (vision with both eyes) or loss of visual field
  • Encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis or hereditary diseases of the nervous system associated with progressive muscular atrophy (wasting) and congenital myotonic disorders (disorders from birth that make it difficult to relax muscles after contracting them)
  • Epilepsy, diseases of the peripheral nervous system (the nerves in the body outside the brain and spinal cord), trauma of the central or peripheral nervous system
  • Cerebrovascular diseases (those relating to blood vessels in the brain), lesion with damage to spinal cord and resulting paraplegia (loss of movement in the legs)
  • Mental disturbance due to disease of trauma to, or operation on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
  • Severe mental retardation, psychosis, psychoneurosis or personality disorders
  • Serious hearing difficulties
  • Any disease of the genito-urinary system (including kidney disorder) that is likely to affect ability to drive safely

Representative vehicles for Driving Test

Driving test vehicle category Representative Vehicle if registered on or after 1/1/2004 Representative Vehicle if registered before 01/01/2004
Category A Motorcycle (without a sidecar) with an engine capacity greater than 125cc., and capable of a speed of at least 100km/h. Motorcycle (without a sidecar) with an engine capacity greater than 125cc., and capable of a speed of at least 100km/h.
Category A1 Motorcycles without a sidecar with an engine capacity not exceeding 125cc. The machine musthave (a) an engine capacity greater than 50 cc. or (b) a maximum design speed of more than 45km/h. Motorcycle (without a sidecar) with an engine capacity not exceeding 125cc. The machine musthave (a) an engine capacity greater than 50cc. or (b) a maximum design speed of more than 45km/h.
Category M Two-wheeled mechanically-propelled vehicle, not capable of being manually propelled. The machine musthave an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc. and have a maximum design speed not exceeding 45km/h.. Two-wheeled mechanically- propelled vehicle, not capable of being manually propelled. The machine musthave an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc., and have a maximum design speed not exceeding 45km/h
Category B Four-wheeled vehicles (cars/light vans) with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 people, a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500kg. capable of a speed of at least 100km/h. Four-wheeled vehicles (e.g. cars/light vans) having a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg., with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 people, and capable of a speed of at least 100km/h.
Category C Vehicles, (trucks) with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 people, having a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 kg., a length of at least 7 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h.

 

 Vehicles (rigid trucks/large vans) with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 people, a gross vehicle weight of at least 12,000 kg., a length of at least 8 metres, a width of at least 2.4 metres, capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The vehicle mustbe fitted with anti-lock brakes, be equipped with a gearbox having at least 8 forward ratios, and recording equipment (tachograph). The cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body, which is at least as wide and as high as the cab
Category C1 Vehicles, (e.g. larger vans/light trucks) with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, having a gross vehicle weight of at least 4000 kg., but not exceeding 7,500 kg., and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h Vehicles (larger vans/light trucks) with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, a gross vehicle weight of at least 4,000 kg., but not more than 7,500 kg., a length of at least 5 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The vehicle shall be fitted with anti-lock brakes, and with recording equipment (tachograph). The cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab.
Category D Vehicles (buses) having passenger accommodation for more than 16 persons being at least 9 metres in length and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. Vehicles (buses) having passenger accommodation for more than 16 persons, a length of at least 10 metres, a width of at least 2.4 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The vehicle shall be fitted with anti-lock brakes, and recording equipment (tachograph).
Category D1 Vehicles (minibuses) having passenger accommodation for more than 8 people, but not more than 16 people, and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. Vehicles (minibuses) having passenger accommodation for more than 8 but not more than 16 people, a gross vehicle weight of at least 4,000 kg., a length of at least 5 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The vehicle shall be fitted with anti-lock brakes, and with recording equipment (tachograph).
Category EB A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle with a trailer, capable of a speed of at least 100km/h. which shouldbe either (a) a 4 wheel drive vehicle and trailer, or a vehicle with a minimum length of at least 4.25 metres, and a trailer, which does not fall within Category B. The trailer used shall have a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg., and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 metres by 1.2 metres. Combinations, made up of a category B test vehicle which should be either (a) a minimum length of at least 4.25 metres, or (b) a 4 wheel drive vehicle, and a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg., capable of a speed of at least 100km/h, which does not fall within Category B. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle, and have a length of at least 2.4 metres. (The closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle, provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear- view mirrors of the motor vehicle).
Category EC Articulated vehicle with at least 4 axles, having a combined gross vehicle weight of at least 18,000 kg., an overall length of at least 12 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. Either (a) an articulated vehicle, or (b) *a combination of a category C test vehicle and a trailer of at least 7.5 metres in length. Both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall have passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, at least 4 axles, a gross vehicle weight of at least 20,000 kg., a length of at least 14 metres, a width of at least 2.4 metres and be capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The vehicle shall be fitted with anti-lock brakes, be equipped with a gearbox having at least 8 forward ratios, and recording equipment (tachograph). The cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab.
Category EC1 A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle with a trailer, capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. and with an overall length of at least 8 metres. The trailer used shall have a gross vehicle weight of at least 2,000 kg., and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 by 1.2 metres. A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle, and a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of at least 2,000 kg. The combination shall be at least 8 metres in length, and shall be capable of a speed of at least 80km/h, The combination shall have a gross vehicle weight of not more than 12,000kg., and the gross vehicle weight of the trailer must not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the drawing vehicle, and have a length of at least 2.4. metres. (The closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the drawing vehicle, provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle.)
Category ED A combination made up of category D test vehicle, and a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg., capable of a speed of 80km/h. The trailer used shall have internal dimensions of at least 2.4m by 1.2m. A combination made up of a category D test vehicle, and a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg., capable of a speed of at 80km/h. the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 metres wide, 2 metres high, and have a length of at least 2.4 metres.
Category ED1 A combination made up of a category D1 test vehicle with a trailer, capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The trailer used shall have a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg. and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 metres by 1.2 metres A combination made up of a category D1 test vehicle, and a trailer with a gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg., capable of a speed of at least 80km/h. The cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 metres wide, 2 metres high, and have a length of at least 2.4 metres. The combination shall have a gross vehicle weight of not more than 12,000kg., and the gross vehicle weight of the trailer must not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle.
Category W Works vehicles, and land tractors. Works vehicles, and land tractors.

Driving Test Report Form

An image of the two pages that make up a driving test report form. The first page is pure explanations of what each of the grades mean, the second page is a table where an instructor inputs scores for each task.

Before you are a fully licensed driver

To obtain a Learner Permit

Apply for and pass your theory test.

After you pass the theory test you may then apply to your local motor tax office for your learner permit and include your theory test certificate with your application form and other documents. When you have your learner permit you should book driving lessons from a professional driving instructor to learn how to drive safely and correctly.

Driver theory test

The theory test examines your knowledge and understanding of the rules of the road, good driving behaviour, risk perception and hazard perception.

You must pass this test before applying for a first learner permit.

The test involves answering questions on a touch screen computer in a test centre. It is run by the Driver Theory Testing Service.

Driving legally

When you have your learner permit, you are ready to start learning to drive.

Before taking any vehicle on to the road you must be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:

  • Is the motor vehicle taxed?
  • Is the tax disc on the windscreen?
  • Is the insurance cover up to date and valid to cover you?
  • Is the insurance disc on the windscreen?
  • If you are learning to drive a category B vehicle that is over four years old but not a taxi, is the vehicle roadworthy and does it have an up-to-date National Car Test (NCT) Certificate on the windscreen?
  • If you are using a coach, bus, ambulance, goods vehicle or goods trailer and it is over a year old, does it have a Certificate of Roadworthiness?
  • If you are using a motor vehicle other than one in category A1, A, M and W, does it clearly display proper "L" plates at the front and back?

Tax & Insurance

Tax

All motor vehicles must be taxed before the vehicle is taken on the road.

Image of circular tax disc with prominent date on it.

Insurance

All drivers must have insurance covering them to drive a vehicle on a public road. The law imposes a duty on you to inform the insurance company of relevant information before you drive a vehicle.

If you are in any doubt you should discuss the matter with the insurance company. It is a serious offence to drive a vehicle that is not insured.

You need to display an up-to-date insurance disc. It is an offence not to have the disc on display.

Vehicles that do not need to display an insurance disc

  • Motorcycles (with or without a side car)
  • Tractors
  • Vehicles showing a trade licence
  • Vehicles owned or used by an exempted person as defined by the Road Traffic Acts, for example members of emergency services

All trailers must be covered by third party motor insurance. This applies whether the trailer is being towed or parked in a public place.

The fact that an insurance disc is not required to be displayed does not affect the requirement to ensure that the insurance is valid to cover you.

National car test

Vehicle testing makes sure your vehicle is safe to use on the road. This is especially important for older vehicles.

Passenger cars over four years old must have a valid NCT Certificate and show the NCT disc on the windscreen.

Provisional Licence Holders

Accompanied when driving

As a learner permit holder you are required to be accompanied by and be under the supervision of a person who has a full licence for a minimum of two years. If you are on your first, third or later provisional licence or learner permit for a category B vehicle, you must have a fully licensed driver with you.

From 30/06/08 holders of a 2nd learder permit or 2nd provisional licence for category 'B' must also be accompanied by a fully licensed driver.

Regardless of whether you are a provisional licence holder or a learner permit holder your accompanying driver must hold a current and valid full licence for the same category of vehicle for categories C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 and ED and be with you at all times when you are driving

If you hold a provisional licence or learner permit for categories A, A1, and M vehicles you must not carry a passenger.

You must also carry your full licence with you at all times.

Motorways

As a provisional licence holder or learner permit holder you must not drive on a motorway. It is a serious offence to do so.

Trailers

You must not use a category B, C, C1, D or D1 vehicle to tow a trailer if you hold a provisional licence or learner permit for any of these categories.

Carrying a passenger

  • If you drive a car, van, bus or coach you must not carry any passengers for payment of any kind.
  • If you are a motorcyclist you must not carry a passenger.
  • If driving a category W vehicle, (for example a work vehicle or land tractor), you must not carry a passenger unless the vehicle is designed to take one and the passenger holds a full driving licence for category W.

What happens when your second provisional licence expires?

If you are a person currently holding a second provisional licence you will be exempt from the accompanying driver rule until the 30th June 2008. After the 30th June 2008 you will be required to be accompanied by a fully licensed driver of at least two years experience.

Learner Permit expiration

No matter what type of motor vehicle you drive, you may get a third and subsequent learner permit only if you show that you have taken a driving test within the previous two years.

If you have not taken the test, you must give either:

  • Evidence of a medical condition that prevented you from taking the test, or
  • Evidence that you applied to sit your driving test for that category of vehicle.

If you are a first time holder of a learner permit for categories A, A1, B, M or W, i.e. a person not previously having held a provisional licence (or whose provisional licence has expired by more than 5 years) in the category, you are not allowed to take a driving test for a six month period after the commencement date of the permit. This provision is to allow you gain experience of driving. Research shows that the longer a learner is supervised while driving, the less likely they are to be involved in a collision.

Full driving licence

A full driving licence is required 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.

Pink Driving licence. Ireland written on front.

Applying for your full licence

To apply for your full driving licence, you should send in an application form, two signed photographs, the relevant fee and your current or most recent provisional licence.

With the application for your first licence, you must include your certificate of competency to drive (outlined in The driving test section). You may also need to supply other documents, such as a medical report, depending on your circumstances. You can get full details from the Road Safety Authority's website, www.rsa.ie.

Renewing your licence

A driving licence is normally valid for 10 years and you should renew your licence before this period passes. To renew your licence, send in the correct form and fee, two signed photographs and your current or most recent licence. If you are renewing a category C1, EC1, C, EC, D1, ED1, D or ED licence, you must include a medical report.

You should apply to renew your licence not later than three months before it expires.

You can get full details about driving licences from the Road Safety Authority's website, www.rsa.ie.

Carrying a driving licence

Remember, you must carry your driving licence (all categories) with you at all times when you are driving.

Image showing a garda requesting a driving licence from a civilian in a car