Over-70s-medical-exemption-extended

Over 70s medical exemption extended

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the exemption allowing over 70s to apply for a driving licence without presenting a medical report has been extended.

This measure is an attempt to ease the burden on the country’s medical services, which, as we all know, are currently under extreme pressure.

The exemption will be in effect until June 2021.

Announcing the news, Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said that all drivers who are over 70 years of age will be contacted directly with an application pack which will allow them to apply for a new licence by post. The pack will include a partially completed application form that the customer must complete. Those drivers who have the option to apply online can do so at any time at ndls.ie.

“Persons of 70 years of age or over can apply for, and renew, their driving licence without the need to submit a medical report, on the condition that they do not have an identified or specified illness and are not applying for a truck or bus category,” Minister 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.

“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. In these challenging times it can be all too easy to be distracted on the road. Take care. Stay apart. Stay safe.”