The exemption for over 70s from presenting a medical report when applying for or renewing a driving licence has been extended due to the COVID surge.
Galway West TD and Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton announced that the exemption has been extended to June due to recent surge in COVID-19 cases, and to ease the burden on medical services.
People over 70 will not have to submit a medical report unless they have an identified or specified illness, or are applying for a truck or bus licence.
Hildegarde Naughton said “This extended measure will eliminate the need for our drivers over the age of 70 from having to make an unnecessary journey to their GP, or to the NDLS centre, as we continue to work to minimise social interactions in our efforts to tackle COVID-19.”
All drivers over the age of 70 will be contact by the National Driver Licence Service with an application pack for making their driving licence application by post in the coming weeks.
This will include a partially completed application form that the customer must complete. Those applying online can do so at www.ndls.ie.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to ask all motorists, not just those aged 70 or over, to take the utmost care while driving,” Deputy Naughton said.
“In these challenging times it can be all too easy to be distracted on the road. Take care. Stay apart. Stay safe.”
