Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021
24. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the emergency measures he plans to introduce in order that senior citizens and others can safely renew their driving licence during the Covid-19 pandemic. [1955/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 the requirement for persons over 70 (without an identified or specified illness) to provide a medical report was exempted until the 31 July 2020, this exemption was extended from the 1 August until the 31 December 2020. Due to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases my Department has provided for a further extension until 30 June 2021.
All persons of 70 years of age and over are also now invited to renew their driving licence or learner permit by post. Applicants will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis could avail of this service.
The safest way for anyone to renew their driving licence is online. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) , through the NDLS, has expanded the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system.
