Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the rule whereby people cannot renew their driver licences more than three months in advance in view of the fact that the rule prevents many emigrants, who might be home for a short holiday period, from renewing their licence while they are here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19856/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Prior to 2004, the period within which an application could be made to renew a driving licence was only one month before expiry. In that year, this was changed to three months before expiry.

I am satisfied that the period of up to three months before the expiry of a driving licence within which people can apply for renewal is adequate and reasonable, and I have no plans to change it.

I understand that, in the case of Irish driving licence holders living outside the country, the National Driver Licence System (NDLS) has arrangements in place whereby a person renewing a licence can do so without the necessity to return to Ireland. The Deputy should contact the NDLS to obtain details of this arrangement.