asked the Minister for the Environment the precise procedure applicable to the issue of driving licences to persons over the age of 70 years; the average time that such application takes from the date of submission of appropriate medical evidence to the date of issue of the licence; and if he is satisfied that there is no undue delay in the processing of such applications.
Written Answers. - Driving Licences.
180.
Under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989, which came into force on 13 November, the function of issuing of certificates of fitness, required for the purposes of a driving licence, has been, effectively, devolved to local authorities. Henceforth, those over 70 years of age need only submit a medical report, on the statutory form, direct to the local authority together with the application for a driving licence. This is the only additional requirement for those over 70 years compared with younger applicants.
The time taken to process applications varies as between local authorities but should normally take a matter of days only. However, because of the changes connected with the new regulations, including the introduction of the new Euro-model driving licence, some delays may be experienced for a limited period.