The Department of Transport has overall responsibility for driver licensing. However, the principal local authorities are licensing authorities and issue driving licences. There are 29 licensing authorities (Motor Taxation Offices) around the country and you should make your application to the one nearest to where you live.
Before you begin to learn to drive on public roads in Ireland, you must hold a provisional driving licence. To undergo a driving test, you must hold a provisional licence covering the category in which you wish to be tested. Motor vehicles are put into categories for driver licensing purposes and there is a minimum age requirement for all categories. A full or provisional licence only entitles you to drive the category of vehicle for which the licence has been issued.
