Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Licence Renewal.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

445 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the consideration he will give to people who find themselves in the position of having forgotten to renew their driving licence, having to take a theory test for a provisional licence while waiting to resit their driving test, and having to be accompanied by a full driving licence holder at all times while driving, even after driving for 20 years and more with a clean driving record; if he will show leniency in this regard in view of the fact that this law is only being implemented now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3217/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

Regulations governing the issue of driving licences by licensing authorities have for many years provided that an application to renew a lapsed driving licence may be submitted without a certificate of competency to drive if a person makes such application within a period of ten years from the date of expiry of the previous driving licence. After ten years has elapsed a person must pass the driver theory test, apply for a provisional licence and undergo the driving test in order to obtain a driving licence. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 80 of Wednesday, 5 February 2003, which sets out the position regarding the holder of a provisional licence being accompanied by a person who holds a driving licence for the category of vehicle being driven. I am considering whether further changes are desirable in the licensing regulations relating to provisional licences.