Both Ireland and India are members of the UN Convention that allows those with foreign licenses to drive in their country. Over 100 other countries are party to the International Convention on Road Traffic that we are referring to. This Convention is intended to establish uniform reciprocal privileges on matters such as drivers' permits. The agreement also requires countries to allow foreign drivers admitted to their country to drive a private motor vehicle for one year on certain conditions.

According to the Citizens Information, an Irish eGovernment website, if you hold a national driving license or an international driving permit from your own country, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit (up to 12 months) normally.

If your stay in Ireland will be more than 12 months you can apply for a driving license in Ireland. You must first you must complete a driver theory test, apply for a provisional driving license and complete your driving test in Ireland. If you pass your driving test, you will be issued with a full driving license for use in Ireland.

The Citizens Information site notes that Ireland also has agreements with certain other countries/States which means that if you are coming to Ireland to take up residence you can exchange your driving license for a full Irish driving license and you will not need to do a driving test. A full list of these countries and States is outlined below.

If you are not from any of the following countries/States but you do hold a national driving license or an international driving permit from your own country, you can drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit. A temporary visit is regarded as a period not exceeding 12 months.

If you will be resident in Ireland for more than 12 months (and again, are not from any of the following countries/States), you will need to go through the full driving licensing procedures. Since 1 January 2003, you are required to carry your driving license with you at all times when motoring in Ireland.

Licenses from EU/EEA States are recognized; licenses from these countries/States are also recognized:

• Australia
• Gibraltar
• Isle of Man
• Japan
• Jersey
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland

If you are not from any of the above countries, (for example, if you are from Canada, the United States or New Zealand), and you hold a national driving license or an international driving permit from your own country, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit (up to 12 months).

An international driving permit (IDP) to Ireland means a valid and property completed international driving permit issued to a visitor under the Convention of 1949 by a competent authority of the State/Country in which you normally reside. You cannot obtain an IDP outside of your country of residence, so you would need to obtain this in India before traveling to Ireland. While it does not appear that Ireland requires you to carry an IDP if your Indian license is not in English it would be wise to get an IDP so that your license is translated in case you need to show it to law enforcement officers.

As for obtaining an IDP in India, it appears that you can apply and pay the fee for the permit at Regional Transport Office in India. You need to bring supporting documents of: valid driving license, attested copy of birth certificate, valid passport and visa, attested copy of address proof and two passport-size photographs. You must apply in person because you will be interviewed and need to pass an international road signs test. It typically takes two working days to process the application. You will need to check to see how long the IDP is good for; once it expires you will need to apply again.

The Indian Automobile Associations are also authorized to issue IDPs to their members. So if you are a member of this organization you may contact them for information on how to get an IDP for your work trip to Ireland.

If you have more questions about driving in Ireland read through the Citizens Information and contact this Irish government agency if necessary. For UK car insurance needs click here.