Full Driving Licence

When you pass a driving test in Ireland you are entitled to apply for a full driving licence for the category of vehicle which you were tested for. Remember your pass statement is only valid for 2 years so apply for your full licence as soon as possible. You are required to carry your driving licence with you at all times when driving.

Notes:

This Applications Form is not available on-line as it contains adhesive elements which are needed to process the application. It is available in hard copy from County Council Offices, Garda Stations and Libraries, or you may request a licence application form to be sent to you by post.

Applications are processed in the date order they are received. Your application may take a number of weeks to process depending on the number of applications on hand at any given time - you should note the date you submit your application, and can check its status at any time by telephoning 091 509305 or e-mailing motortax@galwaycoco.ie

While a renewal notice issues from the Department of Transport a number of weeks before your Licence expires, please note that you can submit your application for renewal up to 3 months prior to the expiry date of your licence.

To apply for a Full Licence, you will need:

Completed Application form D401 (click here to request a form)
2 recent identical passport type photographs (signed on back)
Valid Certificate of Competency
Medical Report Form D501, if applicable (see below)
Current or most recent licence(s), if lost, Declaration of Loss Form D800 to be completed
Appropriate Fee. (Cheques should be made payable to 'Galway County Council'.)
Photo ID may be required, e.g. if not already on file in the Motor Tax Office.

To apply to renew your Full Licence, you will need:

Completed Application form D401 (click here to request a form)
2 recent identical passport type photographs (signed on back by applicant)
Current or most recent licence, if lost, Declaration of Loss Form D800 to be completed.
Medical Report Form D501, if applicable (see below)
Appropriate Fee - cheques should be made payable to "Galway County Council".
Photo ID may be required

You can submit your completed application:

by post to Driving Licences Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway, OR
in person at our public counter (check our opening hours) where you will receive proof of receipt

You can pay the application fee:

postal applications - bank draft, cheque or Postal Order (made payable to Galway County Council)
counter applications - by any of the above or in cash if calling to our offices

A Medical Report Form D501 is required when applying for a provisional or full licence in the following cases and is valid for 1 month from date of issue:

For the higher categories C, C1, D, D1, EC, EC1, ED and ED1
Where the applicant is 70 years of age or more.
Where the applicant suffers from any of the disabilities or diseases listed on the licence application form
Where the applicant has ever suffered from alcoholism or epilepsy
Where the applicant is taking, on a regular basis, drugs or medicaments that would be likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by that person to be a source of danger.

An Eyesight Report Form D502 is required when applying for your first Learner Permit for categories A, A1, B, EB and W and is valid for one month from date of issue.

Applicants are not required to submit further Eyesight Report Forms with each subsequent learner permit or full driving licence application, unless they want to change the details on their licence regarding the need to wear corrective lenses for driving purposes, e.g. if they recently had laser or corrective surgery, they need to submit a new Eyesight Report Form stating they no longer need to wear corrective lenses for driving purposes.