Driving licences that have expired or are due to expire between 1 March and 31 August 2020 are to have their validity extended by seven months.

Transport minister Eamon Ryan and junior minister Hildegarde Naughton yesterday (10 August) announced details of the further extension due to the disruption caused to the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) licensing services by COVID-19.

For example, a person whose driving licence expired on 10 March will have the life of the licence extended to 10 October, while a person whose licence expires on 15 August will have a new expiry date of 15 March 2021.

Increased demand

Minister Naughton (pictured) said it was important to take measures to protect the health and safety of drivers, and staff of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).

“The NDLS, in line with many other State agencies, has seen an increased demand for its services since resuming operations following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency,” she said.

The RSA, which operates the NDLS on behalf of the department, hopes to extend its online services over the coming months, subject to the appropriate legislation and technical solutions being in place.

In addition, the ministers also confirmed that the exemption from having a current medical report for those aged 70 years and over, without specific medical conditions, is being extended until 31 December.

The move means no medical report is required for those over 70, unless they have one of the conditions specifically listed in the licence-renewal application form.