Irish Government Moves Forward on Driving License Exchange with Approach to New York

In a major step forward for our campaign, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond have written to New York Governor Kathy Hochul outlining Ireland’s interest in securing reciprocal driving licence agreements between New York and Ireland.

The Irish Independent reports that Ministers O’Brien and Richmond sent a letter to Governor Hochul last week, referencing legislation passed in New York in 2023 that gave the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles the authority to enter into reciprocal driver licence agreements with other countries.

This would mark the first step toward securing such an agreement between Ireland and a U.S. state. Ireland already has agreements in place with several countries and Canadian provinces.

The Programme for Government committed to pursuing agreements with U.S. states, recognising that the lack of access to driving licences presents a significant barrier for emigrants seeking to return to Ireland as well as for new migrants to the country.

Currently, newcomers to Ireland—including those whose Irish driving licences have expired—must complete a theory test, a series of lessons, and a driving test in order to obtain a licence. This has become a major issue due to significant testing backlogs.

This development comes just ahead of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Minister O’Brien’s visit to New York for the UN General Assembly this week.

Read the full story in the Irish Independent: Transport Minister writes to New York governor seeking reciprocal driving licence agreement