4. Driving licence

When you pass the driving test you are issued with a certificate of competency. This certificate does not entitle you to drive as a full licence holder. You must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you are issued with a full driving licence.

You must apply for your driving licence within two years of receipt of your certificate of competency. If you don't apply for your licence within this time your certificate of competency will no longer be valid and you will have to pay for and sit the driving test again.

You can apply for a driving licence online at ndls.ie with a Public Services Card and verified MyGovID or in person at your local National Driver Licence Service centre.

Only once you are in possession of a full valid driving licence are you legally allowed to drive a car or light van with trailer while unaccompanied.

About your driving licence

After passing your driving test, you can apply for a full driving licence online at ndls.ie or in person at your local National Driver Licence Service centre (NDLS). You must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you have been issued with a full driving licence. You should apply within two years of the date you passed your test. If not you will have to re-sit and pass the driving test.

How to add category BE (car & light van with trailer) to your driving licence
Driving licence fees
DRIVING LICENCE FAQS

How to add category BE (car & light van with trailer) to your driving licence

Apply online with MyGovID

You can now quickly and easily apply for your learner permit online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to NDLS.ie

To add a new category to your driving licence online you will need the following:

a Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID
to have passed the category BE driving test
proof of your address dated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC
proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
your completed and signed eyesight report form or medical report form dated within the last three months, if applicable to you
your application fee of €35.00. Other licence durations and fees may apply to you. You can pay by credit or debit card

Apply in person at an NDLS centre

To add a category to your driving licence you will need the following:

a completed and signed driving licence application form
your certificate of competency
your existing category B (car or light van) driving licence
your current or most recent learner permit. If your permit has been lost or stolen, you must also bring valid photo ID with you
proof of your address dated within the last six months
proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
your completed and signed eyesight report form or medical report form dated within the last three months, if applicable to you
your application fee of €35.00. Other licence durations and fees may apply to you. You can pay by these methods.

Book an appointment online or walk in to any NDLS centre

You can either book an appointment online to attend an NDLS centre or just walk in to any NDLS centre with the required forms, ID and fee. If you take the walk-in option you may have to wait in a queue if the NDLS centre is busy.

Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.

You can apply in person at any of the 36 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.

Driving licence fees

The fee to add a new category to your driving licence fee is €35.00. Other licence durations and fees may apply to you.

Full list of all driving licence fees.

DRIVING LICENCE FAQS

What do I need to bring with me to the NDLS centre?

a completed and signed driving licence application form
your certificate of competency
your existing category B (car or light van) driving licence
your current or most recent learner permit. If your permit has been lost or stolen, you must also bring valid photo ID with you
proof of your address dated within the last six month
proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
your completed and signed eyesight report form or medical report form dated within the last three months, if applicable to you
your application fee of €35.00. You can pay by these methods.

Lost your certificate of competency?

Download a statement of loss here.
Complete the form and have it certified and stamped by a garda
Send the form to the RSA Driver Testing Service and we will issue a duplicate.
Driver Testing Section
Road Safety Section
Primrose Hill
Ballina
Co. Mayo
F26 V6E4

Only once you are in possession of a full, valid driving licence are you legally allowed to drive while unaccompanied.