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Drivers over the age of 70 are encouraged to renew their driver’s license by mail.
Transportation Minister Eamon Ryan said that only people over the age of 70 and people who renew their license annually will be contacted by the National Learner Driver Service (NDLS) regarding their postal renewal.
Ryan said the measure was introduced to protect vulnerable people from Covid-19. “As a temporary measure, given the situation with Covid-19, the RSA (Road Safety Authority), through its licensing service the NDLS, will expand the postal renewal option to those over 70 who renew their license every three years .
“This measure will reduce the need for this vulnerable group to attend an NDLS center in person.”
Hildegarde Naughton, the junior transportation minister, said there is no need to contact the NDLS center directly, as the application packages will be posted next week.
“All those 70 years and older who have previously submitted to an NDLS center in the last five years, and whose license or permit is about to expire, will receive a renewal packet in the mail and will be invited to apply by mail.
“This is a very practical step, and the right thing to do given the health crisis we are experiencing in this country,” he added.
No fee is required for customers over 70 and the package will come with a pre-addressed envelope.
People aged 70 and over are reminded that unless they have a specific medical condition (listed on the application form), they do not need to provide a medical report when applying for their license renewal.
This temporary exemption was introduced to remove pressure on the health system and is in effect until the end of the year.
If clients have already booked an appointment, but prefer to complete the form by mail, they are encouraged to cancel it as soon as possible.
Moreover, Ryan reminded drivers whose license expired between March 1 and August 2020 that it will be valid for another seven months.
Learner drivers whose permits expired between March 1 and June 30 have received an eight-month extension. Learner’s permits that expired between July 1 and October 21 received a four-month extension.
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