ISM - Driving Lessons across Ireland

Step by Step to Obtain Your Driving Licence in Ireland

Whether you’re a first-time driver or converting an EU or non-EU licence, this guide explains the steps to legally drive in Ireland—from theory tests to licence conversion. Learn about and apply for your EDT lessons

1 Pass the Driver Theory Test

You must pass the official driver theory test before you can get a learner permit. You can find information about the theory test and book it on the RSA website. There are new rules to be aware of for multiple leaner permit holders.

2 Get a Learner Permit

After passing the theory test, apply for a learner permit through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, book an appointment at an NDLS centre.

3 Practice Driving

You need to practice driving under the supervision of an approved driving instructor. You must have a minimum of 12 lessons with a driving instructor before taking the practical test.

4 Pass the Practical Driving Test

Once you’ve practiced enough, you can apply for and book your practical driving test with the RSA. You’ll need to pass this test to be eligible for a full driving licence.

5 Apply for a Full Driving Licence

After passing the practical test, you can apply for your full driving licence online or in person at an NDLS centre. You need to apply within two years of passing the practical test.

1 Verify Residency Eligibility

You must prove that you are normally resident in Ireland, meaning you live here for at least 185 days per year.

2 Pass the Driver Theory Test

Book and pass the driver theory test through the RSA. This is a mandatory step before applying for a learner permit.

3 Get a Learner Permit

Apply for a learner permit through the NDLS. You can apply online or visit an NDLS centre with the required documents.

4 Practice Driving

Complete a minimum of 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons with an approved driving instructor.

5 Apply for a Full Driving License

Once prepared, pass the practical driving test. Then apply for your full driving licence within two years of passing.

1 Verify Eligibility

Ensure your driving licence was issued by an EU or EEA member state and is valid.

2 Prepare Required Documents

Gather your valid EU/EEA licence, proof of identity, and proof of residency in Ireland

3 Apply for Licence Exchange

Submit your application online or in person at an NDLS centre to exchange your EU/EEA licence for an Irish one.

4 Surrender Original Licence

Your original EU/EEA licence must be surrendered. It will be returned to the issuing authority in your country.

5 Receive Irish Licence

Once approved, you will receive your full Irish driving licence with the same categories and validity.

1 Check Country Eligibility

Verify if your licence was issued by a country eligible for exchange in Ireland. If not, you must follow the Non-EU Learners process.

2 Verify Residency Requirements

You must be normally resident in Ireland, living here for at least 185 days per year.

3 Prepare Required Documents

Provide your valid foreign licence, proof of identity, and proof of residency in Ireland.

4 Apply for Licence Exchange (If Eligible)

If your country qualifies, apply for an exchange through the NDLS. If not, you must complete theory testing, learner permit, and driving tests.

5 Surrender Original Licence and Receive Irish Licence

If approved, you will surrender your original licence and receive an Irish driving licence matching your existing categories where applicable.

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ISM / AXA Test Drive – Driver Assessment guarantees a minimum of 5% off your car insurance. Book ISM / AXA Test Drive, a 45-minute assessment of your driving skills to get savings up to 20% off with our insurance partners AXA.

ISM & AXA Test Drive

AXA Insurance Savings

ISM and AXA have teamed up to offer you an unbeatable exclusive offer whereby you can avail of a discounted price of €545 for 12 driving lessons and get up to €400 off your AXA Car Insurance.

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Driving Lessons Across Ireland

We provide driving lessons across Ireland, including EDT, pre-test prep, and automatic instruction—delivered by certified instructors with flexible scheduling.

ISM Training Centre (Finglas)

Jamestown Business Centre,
Jamestown Road,
Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 X853

Call Us: 01 864 1790

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ISM Training Centre (Tallaght)

Unit 6B – Broomhill Business Complex, Broomhill Road Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 PNH4

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Get Test-Ready: Practice Your Theory Online

Practice online with the Mock Theory Test.

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ISM & AXA Insurance

Save Up to 20% on Car Insurance.

Driver assessment for under 25s. Save between 5% and 20% on AXA car insurance based on your driving skills.

ISM & AXA Insurance & Test Drive

Become An Instructor

Become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor.

Enjoy flexible hours, be your own boss, and start a rewarding career with Ireland’s leading driving school.

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Sanskriti Gautam

11:40 05 Mar 26

I took several lessons with Ms Rofeda to prepare for my test. She prepares you incredibly well for the driving test and knows exactly what examiners are looking for. I just passed my test in Raheny, and I couldn’t have done it without her. She is professional, very sweet, and really helps build your confidence behind the wheel. Highly recommended!

Guilherme Lucio

23:05 03 Mar 26

I had a great experience with the driving school from start to finish. The quality of the service was excellent, everything was well organised, punctual, and professional. Bogdan was patient, clear in their explanations, and always focused on helping me improve.

What was really impressive was how closely the lessons matched the actual driving test. The routes we practiced, the manoeuvres, and even the small details around observation and positioning were extremely accurate compared to what I encountered on the day of the test.

I went into the test feeling fully ready and I passed on my first attempt. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for thorough preparation and high-quality instruction.

Conor Sheehan

21:13 25 Feb 26

Igor has been my instructor for the past year. Thanks to his help I passed on my first attempt in Finglas today! A really good teacher, really calm with first time drivers and a great communicator of information. 100% would reccomend Igor.

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Step by Step to Obtain Your Driving Licence in Ireland

1

Pass the Driver Theory Test

2

Get a Learner Permit

3

Practice Driving

4

Pass the Practical Driving Test

5

Apply for a Full Driving Licence

1

Verify Residency Eligibility

2

Pass the Driver Theory Test

3

Get a Learner Permit

4

Practice Driving

5

Apply for a Full Driving License

1

Verify Eligibility

2

Prepare Required Documents

3

Apply for Licence Exchange

4

Surrender Original Licence

5

Receive Irish Licence

1

Check Country Eligibility

2

Verify Residency Requirements

3

Prepare Required Documents

4

Apply for Licence Exchange (If Eligible)

5

Surrender Original Licence and Receive Irish Licence

AXA & ISM

Exclusive Insurance Discount

AXA Insurance Savings

AXA Test Drive

AXA Insurance Savings

AXA Test Drive

Pricing

Market-Leading Pricing

12 EDT Lessons

€545

Pre-Test Lessons

€200

Driving Lessons

€110

Driving Lessons Across Ireland

ISM Training Centre (Finglas)

Lessons Available at this training center

Rigid Truck

Trailer & Caravan

Coach & Bus

Artic Truck

Light Truck

Ambulance

Minibus

ISM Training Centre (Tallaght)

Lessons Available at this training center

Rigid Truck

Trailer & Caravan

Coach & Bus

Artic Truck

Light Truck

Ambulance

Minibus

Exclusive Offers, Insurance Savings & Career Opportunities