Driving in Ireland
Geneva Convention International Driving Document · drives on the left

Driving in Ireland: International Driving Document requirements for visitors

Start Express Application

Visitors to Ireland can drive with either a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document or a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document alongside a valid foreign driving licence. Ireland drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h, national roads up to 100 km/h, and motorways up to 120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

Ireland at a glance

Permit type
Geneva Convention International Driving Document
Side of road
Left
How long it is valid
1 year from issue
Minimum driving age
17
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency number
999 or 112
How it works

How to get your permit for Ireland

You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.

  1. Tell us your destination

    Ireland + your nationality. ~30 seconds.

  2. We confirm what you need

    A Print International Driving Document covering both Geneva and Vienna — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.

  3. We handle the paperwork

    Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.

  4. Review by a real person

    A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.

  5. Track every step

    Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.

Start Express Application

Ireland driving rules at a glance

Side of road
Left
Minimum driving age
17
Speed limit — urban
50 km/h
Speed limit — rural
80–100 km/h
Speed limit — motorway
120 km/h
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Seatbelts
Mandatory for all occupants
Helmet
Mandatory for motorcyclists
Mobile phone
Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
Emergency number
999 or 112
Right turn on red
Allowed unless signage prohibits
Headlights
Required at night and in reduced visibility
What you need

Documents required to drive in Ireland

What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.

  • Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
  • 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna International Driving DocumentCarry alongside your licence
  • PassportRequired for identification
  • Valid visa or visa exemptionMost tourists visit visa-free or with an Irish visa
  • Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
  • Motor insurance certificateRental includes insurance; carry proof
Do you need one?

When you need a permit in Ireland

How the requirement plays out, case by case.

  • EU/EEA licence

    No for short visits — Valid EU/EEA licence is enough

  • Non-EU/EEA licence + Geneva permit

    Yes — Carry alongside foreign licence

  • Non-EU/EEA licence + Vienna permit

    Yes — Carry alongside foreign licence

  • Renting a car

    Yes for non-EU/EEA — Rental companies require it

  • Driving a private vehicle

    Yes for non-EU/EEA — Police may request it

Check what your licence needs
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Driving in Ireland with a foreign licence, answered.

Keep exploring

More for your Ireland trip

How we reviewed this page

Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review

About this service

Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.