Driving in Ireland with a UK Licence – What You Need to Know
If you’re planning a road‑trip across the Emerald Isle, the good news is that your UK driving licence is still the key that unlocks the Irish road network. However, since the UK’s exit from the EU, a few practical details have changed. This guide walks you through everything you need to know – from legal requirements and insurance to road signs, speed limits, and the paperwork you’ll need to keep on hand. By the end of the article you’ll feel confident behind the wheel of an Irish car, whether you’re renting a compact hatchback for a weekend getaway or using your own vehicle for a longer adventure.
1. Legal Status of a UK Licence in Ireland
| Situation | Before 31 Dec 2020 (EU‑UK transition) | After 31 Dec 2020 (post‑Brexit) |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting for up to 12 months | Licence fully recognised | Licence still recognised; no exchange required |
| Resident for >12 months | Automatic exchange for Irish licence | Must exchange within 12 months of becoming resident |
| Driving a foreign‑registered vehicle | Accepted if licence is valid & current | Same – licence accepted, but vehicle must be insured for Ireland |
| Car rental | No additional documentation needed | Same – rental companies accept UK licences |
Key takeaway: As a visitor you can drive with your UK licence for the entire length of your stay. If you move to Ireland and become a resident, you have 12 months to swap your UK licence for an Irish one (the process is free and usually takes just a few weeks).
2. What Documents Should You Carry?
When you’re behind the wheel in Ireland, the following items should be kept together in a safe but easily accessible place (e.g., the glove compartment):
- Your full UK driving licence – photo ID, licence number, and category entitlements.
- Passport or national ID card – proof of identity and citizenship.
- Vehicle registration (V5C) / rental agreement – shows you’re authorised to drive the car.
- Proof of insurance – a certificate of cover or a digital confirmation from your insurer or rental company.
- MOT certificate (if applicable) – required if the vehicle is older than three years.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – not required for UK licences, but useful if your licence is not in English (e.g., a foreign licence you hold alongside the UK one).
If you’re renting, the company will usually issue a rent‑a‑car insurance card that you can keep in the vehicle. For your own car, a printed “Insurance Certificate” or a screenshot of the digital policy is sufficient.
3. Insurance – Do You Need a Separate Policy?
a. Using Your Own Car
Your UK motor insurance policy will still cover you on the island of Ireland for short‑term visits (up to 12 months). However, you must check two things:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Geographical coverage | Some policies automatically include “Great Britain and Ireland”. |
| European cover clause | If you have a “European cover” add‑on, it usually extends to Ireland. |
| No‑claims discount (NCD) protection | Confirm whether NCD is transferable if you later switch to an Irish insurer. |
If your policy does not include Ireland, you can purchase a short‑term “green card” add‑on from your insurer, or obtain a separate Irish motor insurance policy for the duration of your stay. Prices are comparable to UK rates, especially for temporary policies.
b. Renting a Car
All reputable rental firms provide the minimum legal cover (third‑party liability) in the rental price. You may wish to add:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Super‑CDW – reduces or eliminates your excess.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) – covers medical costs for you and passengers.
- Theft Protection – protects you if the vehicle is stolen.
When you book online, you’ll usually see a “Full‑Cover” option that bundles these extras. If you already have a comprehensive UK car insurance policy or a credit‑card travel insurance that covers rental cars, read the fine print – you might be able to decline the rental company’s CDW and rely on your existing cover.
4. The Irish Road Network – What’s Different?
a. Driving Side
Ireland drives on the left, just like the UK, so you won’t need to adapt to a new side of the road. Roundabouts follow the same clockwise pattern you’re used to.
b. Road Signage
Most signs are similar to the UK, but there are a few notable differences:
| Sign | Meaning | UK Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Red circle with a white diagonal line | “No entry for all vehicles” | Same as UK |
| Blue rectangular sign with a white ‘P’ | “Parking – check local restrictions” | Same as UK |
| White triangle with a red border & a black “X” | “Give way to all traffic” | Same as UK |
| Yellow diamond with black “RR” | “Restricted Road – only for local traffic” | No UK counterpart |
| Green background with a white ‘U‑turn’ arrow | “U‑turn permitted” | Same as UK |
If you’re unsure, a quick glance at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website offers downloadable PDFs of all Irish road signs.
c. Speed Limits – Quick Reference Table
| Road Type | Speed Limit (km/h) | Speed Limit (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorways (M) | 120 | 75 |
| Dual carriageways (N) | 100 | 62 |
| Primary and secondary roads (R) | 80 | 50 |
| Local and residential roads | 50 (or less) | 31 (or less) |
| Urban zones & built‑up areas | 30 – 40 (varies) | 19 – 25 |
Tips:
- Speed limits are always posted in kilometres per hour. Many drivers keep a small conversion chart in the glove box (1 mph ≈ 1.6 km/h).
- Speed cameras are common on motorways and major routes; fines are issued in euros and can be paid online.
- Some rural roads have “advisory” speed signs (e.g., 60 km/h) – you may exceed these limits, but you’re still liable for any accident caused by excessive speed.
d. Fuel Types & Prices
- Petrol ( unleaded 95 ) – widely available at service stations.
- Diesel – common, especially on motorways.
- E‑fuel (95 RON, 98 RON, Premium Diesel) – increasingly offered at larger forecourts.
Fuel is sold by the litre, not the gallon. A typical price in 2025 hovers around €1.70 / L for 95 RON petrol, but prices fluctuate with the global market. A handy conversion: £1 ≈ €1.15 (subject to change), so a UK driver can roughly estimate costs.
5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Plan your route with a GPS that uses Irish maps. Google Maps, Waze, or the RSA’s RoadInfo app are reliable.
- Carry a spare tyre and basic emergency kit (warning triangle, reflective jackets). Irish law requires a warning triangle in a vehicle.
- Check the “MOT” equivalent – NCT – if you’re bringing your own car. The National Car Test (NCT) is required for cars older than 4 years. You can schedule an inspection before you travel, or present a recent NCT certificate if you already have one.
- Mind “bridge tolls”. The M50 ring road and several bridges (e.g., the M6 Limerick–Galway toll) require electronic payment via eToll or eTag devices. You can register online and link a credit card; otherwise you’ll receive a bill in the post.
- Parking in cities – Dublin, Cork and Galway have tight city‑centre parking. Look for “Blue‑zone” (pay‑and‑display) signs; you’ll need a pay‑by‑phone app (e.g., Park+Pay).
- Alcohol limits – The legal blood‑alcohol limit is 0.05 % (lower than the UK’s 0.08 %). The safest rule: don’t drink at all if you’re driving.
- Mobile phone use – Hand‑held use while driving is illegal; use a hands‑free kit or Bluetooth.
6. Renting a Car – Step‑by‑Step Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. | Book online early (especially in peak summer months). Look for “Unlimited mileage”. |
| 2. | Confirm that your UK licence is accepted – most major brands (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) list it. |
| 3. | Choose insurance coverage that matches your existing UK policy, or add CDW if needed. |
| 4. | Pick‑up the car: present licence, passport, credit card (for deposit), and proof of insurance. |
| 5. | Inspect the vehicle for existing damage; take photos and note them on the rental form. |
| 6. | Ask for a “Irish road handbook” – many agencies provide a small booklet with key signs. |
| 7. | Return the car with a full tank (or as per the fuel policy you chose) and a clean interior. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive a UK‑registered car in Ireland for more than 12 months?
A: Yes, you may keep a UK‑registered vehicle in Ireland indefinitely, but you must ensure it has a valid insurance policy that covers you in Ireland and that it meets Irish road‑worthiness standards (NCT). After 12 months of residence you’ll need to register the car with the Irish authorities and obtain Irish plates.
Q2: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Ireland?
A: No. A UK driving licence is fully recognised in Ireland. An IDP is only required if your licence is not in English.
Q3: What happens if I’m stopped by the Gardaí (Irish police) and my licence is in a different language?
A: The Gardaí will ask for a translation or an IDP if the licence cannot be understood. It’s easiest to carry a simple translation of the licence categories (e.g., “B – cars”).
Q4: Are there any speed‑camera fines for foreign drivers?
A: Yes. Speed‑camera penalties apply to all drivers regardless of licence nationality. Fines are issued in euros and can be paid online; the notice is sent to the address on the vehicle’s registration. If you’re driving a rental car, the rental company will forward the fine to you.
Q5: Can I use my UK car tax disc in Ireland?
A: The UK disc is not recognised in Ireland. Instead, you need a Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) exemption or proof of tax from the UK if you’re visiting temporarily. For long‑term residence you’ll have to pay VRT and register the car.
Q6: I’m a student planning a “school‑exchange” trip – do I need any extra paperwork?
A: No extra paperwork beyond the standard licence, passport, insurance, and registration documents. However, many universities require proof of insurance for liability reasons, so keep a copy of your policy handy.
Q7: Are there specific rules for driving on Irish “right‑hand” turn lanes?
A: On dual carriageways, a right‑hand turning lane (often marked with a white arrow) is for vehicles preparing to turn right. You must stay in that lane only if you intend to turn; otherwise remain in the left‑most lane.
8. Final Thoughts – Hit the Road with Confidence
Driving in Ireland with a UK licence is straightforward, but small differences in signage, speed limits, and insurance requirements can catch an unprepared driver off guard. By keeping the essential documents on hand, confirming your insurance covers the island, and familiarising yourself with local road rules, you’ll be able to savour the spectacular scenery – from the rugged cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the rolling hills of County Kerry – without a hitch.
So, review the checklist, book that car, and set your GPS for the next adventure. The Irish road network is ready for you; all that’s left is to turn the key and enjoy the journey. Safe travels!