Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022

Wednesday, 4 May 2022

Questions (137)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

137. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the analysis his Department has carried out into providing for an exemption from the driving licence renewal fees in respect of emergency service personnel who require a group 2 vehicle licence in order to carry out their work particularly in view of the related requirement for a medical examination every five years and the financial costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22314/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

Driving licences for truck and bus categories (Group 2 vehicles) are usually issued for a 5-year period at a cost of €55. A medical report is required to ensure that drivers meet strict medical standards. Driver fitness standards are developed on foot of EU law and international best practice. The relevant Irish legislation is the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 537 of 2006), as amended.

There is no exemption from driving licence application fees based on a person’s profession. A fee that works out at approximately one euro a month cannot be seen as being onerous.