Hi everyone! I am headed to Ireland in a month and have been planning on renting a car for a day trip from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway. I do not have an International Driver's Licence, but have gathered from others I've spoke to that it's not necessary in Ireland. Then last night I decided to read up on Rick's tips for driving in Ireland, when I found this section: "an international driver's licence is recommended, but not required, IF YOUR LICENSE HAS BEEN RENEWED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR". I am currently living in the UK, and have not been home in a year, so of course my license has not been renewed in the last year. Help! Has anyone rented a car in Ireland before without an International License and without having their licence renewed within 12 months of renting? I'm Canadian, if it makes a difference.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32776 posts
Jess, you need to be careful if you are still driving on your Canadian license in the UK after you have been resident for over a year. I quote from the UK DVLA website:>> ¶ " GB has reciprocal exchange agreements with Gibraltar and 15 designated countries. The designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. ¶ If you are a visitor in GB, and hold full ordinary entitlement, you can drive any category of vehicle, up to 3.5 tonnes and with up to eight passenger seats, shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the date you last entered GB, whether or not you brought the vehicle into GB. If you also hold full entitlement to drive large lorries or buses you are only allowed to drive large vehicles registered outside the GB that you have driven into the country. ¶ If you are a resident in GB and provided your full licence remains valid, you can drive small vehicles for 12 months from the time you became resident. >>>>To ensure continuous driving entitlement, you must exchange your licence for a GB one before the 12 months end.<<<< ¶ If you do not do this you must stop driving although you may apply to exchange your licence at any time within five years of becoming resident. "
Posted by
OP
Toronto
13 posts
hmm, interesting Nigel. When I rent the car it will have JUST been a year since I arrived in the UK.(will be renting Oct. 24th, arrived Oct. 20th last year). Thanks for the information, I'll have to look into this...
Posted by
Dundas, Minnesota, USA
103 posts
I have... but it was around ten years ago.
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
I did last May. No problems at all but it was in the R of I and not NI
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I have never taken an International Driving Permit to Ireland, and I have rented four times. But you are misreading the passage. It's saying that if your license has been renewed within the past year, the permit is recommended. It's not required ever, and they are recommending it IF your license has been renewed recently.
Posted by
OP
Toronto
13 posts
Nancy- you are completely right. Thank you!! Funny how we jump to conclusions and assume the worst...I think the trip planning process is getting to me! Thanks again :) If anyone can recommend a car rental agency in Northern Ireland with no hidden fees, that would be appreciated as well.