Fianna Fáil Transport Spokesperson Marc MacSharry TD has today called for the Minister for Transport to extend flexibility to drivers who currently need it.
While driving licence renewals can proceed for most drivers, certain types of drivers are particularly affected by the ongoing Covid-19 emergency. First, many frontline and essential workers need their licences to get to work and are finding it difficult to renew their licences.
Second, there are tens of thousands of learner driver permit holders in Ireland at present, many of whom are ineligible to renew their licence without booking a driving test. Figures from 2018 suggested that there were about 65,000 people who were on their third or more permit, meaning that all these drivers would require to have recently sat or have an appointment to sit a driving test in order to renew their licence. However, testing is currently suspended owing to the Covid-19 emergency.
Deputy Marc MacSharry commented “We have taken strong steps to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus, and it is having lots of ripple effects across the state and its citizens. We need to be as accommodating as possible for people who are affected by different restrictions, especially given the stress that many people have been placed under by these developments.
“While it may seem like a small issue, many learner drivers will be keen to keep practicing their driving during this period and would like to avoid any lapse in their learners permit between now and the end of the crisis.
“Similarly, doctors and other frontline workers may have a licence or permit that is due to expire. Between increased workloads on these workers and restrictions at National Driving Licence Service centres, licence renewals will not be a top priority and understandably so. I believe that all essential and frontline workers should be granted a three month extension on their licence if it is due to expire in the coming period.
“I am also calling for a three month extension to learner permits to help people who are unable to renew their licence without a driving test, similar to what has been done for drivers over 70, who require a medical certificate to renew their licences. This will also reduce pressure across the driver licensing services,” concluded Deputy Marc Sharry.
