Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016
567. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the claim by the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, that persons over 70 years of age do not have to pay for a new or renewed driver's licence (details supplied) when, in fact, they must pay up to €65 to obtain the medical report necessary to have a licence issued. [31860/16]
View answerFees for driving licences are set in regulations for which I have responsibility. The Road Safety Authority is correct in pointing out that there is no fee for a driving licence renewal over the age of 70.
However, given the cost associated with the medical report, I can understand how this could be perceived as unfair or cause confusion. The requirements to be met in order to be considered medically fit to drive are set at EU rather than national level. Because of the inevitable risk of deterioration in health, including eyesight, due to aging, people renewing their driving licences after the age of 70 are required to undergo both medical and eyesight tests. It is long-standing practice in this and other jurisdictions to require medical tests for fitness to drive for older driver licence applicants. It is obviously important that such tests are carried out independently and by medical professionals. This is done in the interests of road safety, both of the applicants and other road users. Unfortunately, the cost of the medical report is a matter for the medical profession, and thus does not come within my remit to control.
