New Measures Are Going To Make Driving A LOT Easier For Immigrants Returning To Ireland

A set of new rules aimed at speeding up the process of getting back on the roads for returning Irish emigrants and immigrants from other countries are to be introduced.

Minister for Transport Shane Ross announced the introduction of the new measures earlier today.

Under current law, drivers with a full licence that they obtained abroad must go though the entire process of learning how to drive in Ireland.

This includes completing the theory test, a total of 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons, and the driving test.

However, the new measures will mean such drivers will only have to complete six lessons before doing the driving test in Ireland.

The aim of the new measures is to reduce the time and cost burden on immigrants and returning emigrants trying to get back driving on Irish roads.

Speaking about the measures, Ross said: "As Minister, I have a responsibility for public safety, and it is right that we should have tests to make sure that the people we licence to drive on our roads are qualified to do so."

"At the same time, many experienced drivers are currently made to go through a whole range of mandatory lessons before taking the Irish driving test when it is clear that this is not necessary."

"I do believe that a number of lessons will help people adjust to specifically Irish rules and make it easier for them to pass the test,"

He added that making such drivers go through the 12 lessons, designed for beginner drivers, doesn't make sense.