Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
764. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to facilitate online driver licence issuance for first-time licence applicants by which a first-time driver licence applicant fulfils all requirements, for example, has passed a theory and or practical driving test. [7367/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
Likewise, I have extended the validity of certificates of competency - issued when a person passes a driving test - and of certificates issued on passing a driver theory test.
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Applications for driving licence renewal are available online in certain circumstances, and the Authority is working to extend this option for others, including applicants for a first driving licence.
