Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
169. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the way in which a person (details supplied) is expected to renew his or her driver licence when he or she cannot get an appointment in time at the Ennis National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31226/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
The RSA is working with their providers to see how they can create the additional capacity needed as quickly as possible, while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options being introduced include a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime. The NDLS booking system is undergoing software changes to cater for the expanded booking window associated with the additional NDLS appointment slots.
The introduction of these steps may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. The RSA is continuing work with my Department to expand the current 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. 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.
Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 076 108 7880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.
