Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
103. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to the renewal of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41969/21]
View answerIreland received authorisation from the EU to extend driving licences that expire between 1 July and 31 October 2021 for an additional 10 months. This authorisation was received on 30 June under EU Regulation 2021/267 and was applied on 2 July 2021.
When the extension was applied, the expiry date on the driver file for each person affected was updated to the new expiry date. It is not possible to extend or not extend individual driving licences. By law, a driving licence cannot be renewed more than 3 months before the expiry of the licence.
Where required, a medical report or eyesight report must be dated not more than one month prior to the date of application. This is to ensure that the most up-to-date assessment of the applicant is provided.
I am aware that some people seeking to renew their licences may have obtained medical reports that are no longer required, owing to the extension of their licences. However, for all classes of licence where a medical report is required, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide this and there is no mechanism to reimburse individual applicants.
