The agreement signed at Leinster House during a visit by the Moldovan president provides for the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences between the two countries.

Under its terms, holders of a full Irish driving licence who relocate to Moldova may exchange their licence for a Moldovan equivalent, and Moldovan licence holders may do the same if resident in Ireland.

Because both countries recognise an equivalent standard of driver training, there is no requirement to undertake a driving test.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said: “I am particularly pleased to be able to announce this agreement between Ireland and Moldova. This agreement marks a positive step forward in the relationship between Ireland and Moldova and will significantly reduce barriers to mobility and employment between the two countries.

“The process of reaching this agreement involved a great deal of work, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all those who have made the agreement possible including the Road Safety Authority and the Ministry of the Interior in Moldova.”

Seán Canney, minister of state with responsibility for road safety, added: “This agreement offers significant practical benefits, including reducing barriers to mobility, facilitating employment opportunities, and promoting ease of integration for individuals relocating between the two jurisdictions.”

The Department of Transport said it plans to bring forward regulations to operationalise the agreement within 60 days.