2025-06-05T19:16:40Z

In a surprising turn of events, a workaround that allowed Irish citizens to quickly obtain driving licences in Georgia has now been officially terminated. This loophole, which had seen many Irish individuals travelling to the eastern European nation to expedite their driving licence acquisition, will be explored further in tonight's episode of Prime Time on RTÉ.

Previously, an agreement between Ireland and Georgia enabled Irish citizens to secure their driving licences in a matter of days. However, this practice has now been rendered defunct following the enactment of new legislation by the Georgian government. The change comes as a response to the growing number of Irish nationals utilizing the system to bypass the lengthy waiting times for driving tests back home.

Last week, a team from Prime Time visited a driving school located in Rustavi, a city that lies just outside Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. There, they investigated the trend of Irish nationals making the journey for a quicker path to licensing. Interviews with individuals such as Mika Vincheuski, a Belarusian residing in Georgia who has been instrumental in facilitating the process, shed light on how this system operated. “It’s a fully legal process,” Ms. Vincheuski explained. “People arrive in Georgia, take lessons, pass the tests, and get their licence. We just help them navigate the system.”

Georgia has gained a reputation for its fast and efficient driving test procedures, attracting applicants from various countries, including Ireland. Reports indicated that some companies were offering licences to Irish citizens in as little as 14 days for a fee of approximately €800, which covered a theory test, a parking exam, and a city driving exam. This is in stark contrast to the current situation in Ireland, where the average waiting time for a driving test appointment exceeds 20 weeks. This long waiting period occurs after applicants have completed a theory test, applied for a learner’s permit, and undergone 12 lessons over several months.

As of April, more than 83,000 applicants were reportedly waiting for a driving test in Ireland, highlighting the significant backlog in the system. Prime Time spoke with several Irish citizens currently in Georgia, who shared their motivations for making the trip. One of the individuals interviewed was Laura, who successfully passed her motorcycle test during her visit. She expressed her satisfaction with the process, saying, “I did the motorcycle one, so it's been a success – three days in: theory on the first day, on the third day then I did my test - passed, licence in hand.” Laura plans to exchange her Georgian motorcycle licence for the Irish equivalent shortly after returning home.

However, the situation has changed dramatically with the introduction of new regulations. The Georgian Ministry for Internal Affairs has confirmed to Prime Time that, effective immediately, applicants for Georgian driving licences must now have resided in the country for at least 180 days. This legislative change effectively puts an end to a workaround that had become increasingly popular among Irish citizens seeking to escape the long delays of the Irish driving test system.

Tonight’s Prime Time will also include a follow-up segment to RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes, providing viewers with more insights into current issues affecting the nation. Be sure to tune in for the full programme tonight, June 5, at 9:35 PM on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.