Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
277. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that drivers who are limited to a three year driving licence due to medical reasons, when renewing their licence pay almost double that of a driver without medical issues in a ten year period where a three year licence is currently €35 and a ten year licence is €55; the reason this is the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1475/24]
View answerTo drive a vehicle, a driver with an identified or specified illness must meet strict medical standards, which are assessed by the person’s doctor. Medical checks are required to ensure a person’s fitness to drive for road safety reasons.
A medical report must be completed by a general practitioner (GP) and a licence may be issued for one, three or ten years. The period of issue is based on the GP's assessment of the applicant and their recommendation, and what is recommended for that condition under the relevant EU Directives.
A ten-year driving licence costs €55. A reduced fee of €35 is charged for a three-year licence. This fee includes the cost of producing a physical licence to the necessary security standards. There is no charge for a one-year licence. The fees are set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Fees) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 75/2020).
