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Ireland
The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.
1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic
Ireland is a Contracting Party to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.
- Ireland acceded to the 1949 Geneva Convention on 29 August 1961. [1]
- Ireland signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on 8 November 1968 and ratified it on 28 March 2018. [2]
2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)
Ireland recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, which are valid for up to 1 year. [1]
Visitors to Ireland may drive using their valid foreign driving license for up to 12 months from the date of arrival. An IDP is required if the foreign license is not in English or does not use Latin script. [3]
3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident
- Non-residents (e.g., tourists) may drive in Ireland with a valid foreign driving license and, if necessary, an IDP, for up to 12 months from their date of arrival. [3]
- Residents who establish permanent residence in Ireland and hold a driving license from an EU/EEA member state can exchange their license for an Irish driving license without additional testing. Licenses from certain recognized states may also be exchanged, while others may require the applicant to pass the Irish driving test. [4]
Source links:
- treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
- treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
- https://ie.usembassy.gov/driving-in-ireland/
- citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/motoring/driver-licensing/exchanging-foreign-driving-permit/
Insurance in Ireland is important. Stay always insured abroad.
- We use SafetyWing insurance for all our trips.
Flights to Ireland.
- We always check Aviasales first.
- And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
- Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.
Train and bus tickets in Ireland.
- TripCom is an obvious choice.
eSIM to always stay connected in Ireland.
- Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.
Transfers and airport pickups in Ireland.
- GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.
Car rentals in Ireland.
- Rentalcars is a #1 service aggregator in car rentals.
Moto rentals in Ireland.
- Want a 2-wheeler? Check BikesBooking.
Accomodation in Ireland.
- BookingCom is number 1.
Tours in Ireland.
- Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.
Excursions in Ireland.
- Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.
Luggage storage in Ireland.
- We use RadicalStorage if we need to park our luggage.
Driving tips for Ireland:
- Driving in Ireland is on the left side of the road.
- Seat belt is a must for the driver and his passengers no matter where they sit.
- The maximum allowed drink drive limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood. If you violate this rule, you will be fined €1500 or disqualified from driving.
- The maximum allowed speed limit is 100 km/h on public roads, 50 km/h in urban areas.
- The minimum driving age is 17.
- You are prohibited to use safety camera warning devices. Otherwise, it will be seized and you will have to pay a fine on site.
- The third-party insurance is mandatory.
- Keep in mind that in Ireland you are prohibited to horn between 11:30 p.m. and 07:00 p.m. in urban areas.
Check the video of driving in Ireland
- Dublin: https://youtu.be/PX8bD5tpQWQ
Read more
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United Kingdom
The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.
1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic
- The United Kingdom signed the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic on 19 September 1949 and ratified it on 8 July 1957. [1]
- The United Kingdom signed the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic on 8 November 1968 and ratified it on 28 March 2018. [2]
2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)
The United Kingdom recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under both the 1-year (1949 Convention) and the 3-year (1968 Convention). [3]
3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident
- Non-residents:
- Visitors to Great Britain holding a valid non-EU driving licence can drive any type of small vehicle (e.g., cars or motorcycles) listed on their licence for up to 12 months from the date they last entered the country. [4]
- Foreign students studying in Great Britain can drive in the country for 12 months if they hold a valid non-EU driving licence or an International Driving Permit. [4]
- If you are a visitor with a valid EU/European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence, you can drive any vehicle type listed on your full and valid licence in Great Britain. [4]
- Foreign students can drive in Great Britain for as long as their European Union (EU) driving licence remains valid or until age 70, whichever comes first. [4] - Residents:
- You can drive in Great Britain on your full, valid non-EU driving licence for 12 months from the date you became a resident. [4]
- If you become a resident, you can drive in Great Britain on your full, valid EU driving licence. You may exchange it for a GB licence (e.g., if required for employment) without retaking a test. [4]
- If you are a resident of Great Britain and passed your driving test in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, or a "designated country or territory," you can drive in Great Britain on your full, valid driving licence for 12 months from the date you became a resident. [4]
- If you're from Ukraine, you can use your valid driving licence in Great Britain for 3 years after becoming resident if you: have a Ukraine Family Scheme visa, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme visa, or Ukraine Extension Scheme visa; or came to the UK on a Ukraine visa scheme and then switched to a different type of visa. [4]
Source links:
- https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
- https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
- https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence
Insurance in United Kingdom is important. Stay always insured abroad.
- We use SafetyWing insurance for all our trips.
Flights to United Kingdom.
- We always check Aviasales first.
- And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
- Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.
Train and bus tickets in United Kingdom.
- TripCom is an obvious choice.
eSIM to always stay connected in United Kingdom.
- Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.
Transfers and airport pickups in United Kingdom.
- GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.
Car rentals in United Kingdom.
- Rentalcars is a number 1 service aggregator in car rentals.
Moto rentals in United Kingdom.
- Want a 2-wheeler? Check BikesBooking.
Accomodation in United Kingdom.
- BookingCom is number 1.
Tours in United Kingdom.
- Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.
Excursions in United Kingdom.
- Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.
Luggage storage in United Kingdom.
- We use RadicalStorage if we need to park our luggage.
Driving tips for the UK:
- Driving in the UK is on the left side of the road.
- Buckle up or you will be fined.
- The maximum permitted alcohol limit is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood.
- Keep in mind that speed limits in the UK are counted in miles. Thus, the maximum allowed speed limit in residential areas is 30 miles per hour (~48 km/h), 60 miles per hour (~97 km/h) on one-lane roads and 70 miles per hour (~112 km/h) on dual and other highways.
- Remember that you must slow down before hospitals and schools.
- The minimum age to drive in the United Kingdom is 17.
- Safety camera warning devices are considered to be legal. However, don’t perceive it as a means to accelerate speed and violate traffic rules.
- No matter where your child sits, make sure you are using an appropriate child seat or restraint system.
- Pay attention to road signs since there are some hours when you are prohibited to drive in bus lanes. Be extremely cautious!
- You are prohibited to horn from 11:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. in residential areas.
- Hands-free kit is a must.
- Vehicles on roundabouts have priority.
- Always give way to police cars, ambulances, fire fighting vehicles, etc.
Check the video of driving in United Kingdom
- London: https://youtu.be/QI4_dGvZ5yE
Read more
- Drive Smart United Kingdom
- 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in England
- Drink driving and the legal alcohol limit
- Driving rules in the UK: the top things you need to know
- ON THE ROAD What age can you drive in the UK?
- Road Rules to Follow for Visitors Driving in the United Kingdom
- Where Can You Park in the UK?
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