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 ISM lessons 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 Book your Driving Lessons

Book your Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons with ISM. Build your skills and confidence under the guidance of an Approved Driving Instructor. You must complete a minimum of 12 EDT lessons before taking your practical driving test.

4 Pass the Practical Driving Test

Once you’ve completed your lessons and have had plenty of practice, you can book your practical driving test with the RSA. Passing the test is the final step towards getting your full driving licence. ISM offers pre-test driving lessons to help you build confidence, refine your skills and prepare for the test.

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. You must display an N-Plate on your car when your licence is issued.

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 Book ISM Driving Lessons

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

5 Apply for a Full Driving Licence

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, driving lessons, learner permit, and pass your driving test.

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 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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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.

AXA Test Drive

ISM & AXA Test Drive

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With competitive prices, expert instructors and a proven track record of helping learners succeed, we provide high-quality driving lessons designed to get you test-ready and confident behind the wheel. Professional training. Great value. Proven results.

12 EDT Lessons

€545

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Pre-Test Lessons

€200

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€110

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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

Call Us: 01 864 1790

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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.

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Become an ISM Approved Driving Instructor.

Enjoy flexible hours, be your own boss, and build a rewarding career with Ireland’s largest and busiest driving school, with a competitive income and the freedom to work on your terms.

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Theory Test Practice

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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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Irish School of Motoring provides driving lessons in all major licence categories for both private and professional drivers, from learners through to the most experienced drivers looking to upskill.

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Damian O'Neill

1 month ago

Just passed my ADI Stage Three after doing my Stage 2 and 3 Lessons with Dave Malone at ISM Finglas. Honestly - his depth of knowledge is unbelievable and he was a super supportive instructor to me. A genuinely nice guy!!

If you are considering a career as an ADI - speak to the team at ISM. It may be the best investment in this career you will ever make!

Joe D costa

1 month ago

Fantastic experience with ISM Finglas Training Centre for my Counterbalance & Pallet Truck course. The entire team was excellent from the very start to the finish. A huge thank you to Mr. John Doran and the management for running such a seamless, professional, and welcoming training program. Highly recommended!

Victor Lan

1 month ago

I had the pleasure to meet Ciaran Corcoran and passed my category B manual car driving test with his guidance. Ciaran is a great instructor, and he is always gentle, patient, and encouraging. He avoids being critical and always gives feedback in a constructive and positive way. Most of the people around me passed their test in an automatic car, and when I told Ciaran I was thinking about switching after failing multiple times, he encouraged me to stick with manual. He’s very knowledgeable and taught me a lot of advanced driving techniques, such as predicting when the blue bus lane becomes active and anticipating when traffic lights are about to turn green. These aren’t things you need to pass the driving test, but they’re valuable skills for safe driving throughout your life.

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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

Book your Driving Lessons

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

Book ISM Driving Lessons

5

Apply for a Full Driving Licence

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

Get Test-Ready: Practice Your Theory Online