Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
168. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) who is over the age of 70 years cannot renew his or her driver licence online in view of advice to stay at home. [31225/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current driving licence online application system does not facilitate the uploading of supporting documentation. Although the requirement for persons over 70 years of age, who do not have an identified or specified illness, to provide a medical report has been removed until 31 December 2020, the online system has not yet been amended to accommodate this change.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.
Persons over the age of 70 will be invited to renew their licence or permit by post. The process of contacting drivers 70 years and over will begin this coming week and will initially target renewals due in October 2020. You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application. All those 70 years and over who have previously presented at an NDLS centre in the last 5 years and whose licence or permit is due to expire will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post.
For those who have to apply in person, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres have been assessed and measures have been put in place to align with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocols. Appropriate signage, sanitation and hand washing, and social distancing measures such as reduced seating in waiting areas and customer touch-point cleansing, have been introduced. Customers will be accompanied into and out of centres and will be required to adhere to necessary health and safety guidelines.
