Converting Drivers License back to Irish (EU) after obtaining new category

Hi there,

First post on here but was just wondering if anyone had any experience with converting their license back to their original country, after obtaining a new category in Switzerland.

I had my car full license from Ireland before arriving in Switzerland and converted it to the Swiss one. I then obtained my A35 kw (restricted motorcycle license, sometimes called A2), in Switzerland. When I return to Ireland, will I be able to convert it all over back to an Irish one? My Swiss license clearly states the IRL symbol on the back with the categories.

Also bonus question for other motorcyclist out there, familiar with the 2 year restriction in EU countries. If I’ve held my A35 kW for more than two years in Switzerland, will I be entitled to get my full A1 in Ireland or will I have to pass the test back home again?

Please let me know if this question is better suited in another category.

I hope you will get full A1, as it is for just max. 125 ccm, max 11 kW. I also hope you can easily upgrade your A 35 kW to a full A using the progressive access route. Maybe ask the RSA/NDLS directl (and report back what the answer was)

Ahh yes I meant to say full A, unrestricted. I’ve sent an email regardless and will let you guys know. Just wondered if someone had been in a similar position before. Thanks!

I changed my German license into a Swiss one, back to German and then back to Swiss again... without any issue. I'd hope any EU country should be up for that. Cant answer the motorbike question but a fun fact: I have an "old" German license before the EU standardization. That allowed me to drive trucks up to 7.5 tons. When converting to the Swiss one was I offered to either accept to lose that ability or to get a truck license with that limit in exchange... but truck licenses require extra paper work and medicals... so I gave it back. When returning to Germany was I able to get the entire old allowance back as it was still in their system...

same here. when i moved to basel, i didn't have a doctor to do the medical so gave up the lorry category. i figured i was unlikely to need it

Thanks for all the info guys. I emailed the NDLS (National Driver License Service in Ireland) and they confirmed I should have no issues converting the my license over. They didn’t respond on the upgrading to the full A but I also anticipate no problem with that. The date I passed my motorcycle test is printed on the license as is the car and when I’d converted the car one to the Swiss one, they maintained those dates also.

Kind regards.