Ukrainian Driving Licences are not recognised in Ireland
We enquired about the status of Ukrainian Driving Licences and got this written response from the RSA today:
Ireland does not have a driving licence recognition arrangement with Ukraine. A refugee who is granted temporary residence in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive is considered, for driver licence purposes, to be resident here. For that reason Ukraine nationals should not drive on a Ukraine driver licence and should commence the process of taking out an Irish driving licence in order to be able to drive. A review of this legal position is currently ongoing.
The RSA and the Department of Transport are engaging with the EU authorities as to whether an EU wide approach can be arrived at as regards Ukrainian driver licence holders who are fleeing their country.
In order to be granted an Irish driver licence a Ukrainian driver must-
(a) Pass a driver theory test in the type of vehicle you wish to drive, you will find more information about this here
(b) Apply for a learner permit for the vehicle type you wish to drive, you will find more information about this here
(c) Complete mandatory driving lessons, known as Essential Driver Training (EDT) for a car (or Initial Basic Training (IBT) on a motorcycle). A person who has held a Ukrainian driver licence for more than two years can apply to have the number of EDT lessons reduced from twelve to six. More information on EDT is available here
(d) Pass a driving test for the vehicle type, more information on this is available here You must hold a first learner permit for a six month period before taking a driving test. This requirement can be removed where a holder of a Ukrainian driving licence has held the licence for the vehicle type for at least six months. Application form available here
(e) Apply for driving licence. Application form and information available here I hope this clarifies your query for you. Please contact us if you require further information.