From January 2013, anyone who applies for a first learner permit or is renewing his/her driving licence will receive a modern, plastic, credit-card sized version. The new licence will be in a format that is standardised and recognisable throughout the EU and is one of the changes being introduced in Ireland as part of a new EU directive.
Although the directive officially takes effect on January 19 2013, all driving licence applications submitted from January 12 2013 will receive the new plastic card licence. Applications for a licence or learner permit will continue to be made at the local Motor Tax Office but the facility to provide over-the-counter licences will no longer be available after this date. This is because the new format licence will be produced in a specialist facility, because of the card’s high-level security features, and posted out to the applicant.
In addition to the introduction of the new licence, licence delivery will also be centralised when the Road Safety Authority (RSA ) becomes the national licensing authority in January. Motor Tax Offices will continue to deliver the service until September 2013; after that, licences will be delivered by the RSA under the banner of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS ).
Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “Under EU law, Ireland, along with all other EU member states, must introduce a new credit card sized driving licence by January 19 2013. While some EU countries already have a plastic card licence format, they are not all the same - there are over 100 different styles of licence across EU countries. The new card being issued will be standardised across all EU member states.”
He added: “Among its key benefits are that it is more durable, convenient, and less susceptible to fraud, but it will also act as a key road safety tool to keep those who are illegally driving a vehicle off our roads. Centralising the licensing service means that from January, the RSA will now have full responsibility for road safety, from driver education, training, testing, licensing, and vehicle roadworthiness.”
The new plastic card licence will only be available to those who have passed their driving test and are applying for their first driving licence, are renewing their learner permit or driving licence, are exchanging a foreign driving licence for an Irish driving licence.
As all old paper licences are valid for a maximum of 10 years, they will be replaced on a phased basis as they expire, meaning that by 2023, everyone in Ireland should have a new plastic card licence. All other licences will remain valid until their expiry date.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar recently announced that from January 1, 2013, a 10 year licence will cost €55, a three-year licence will cost €35, and a one-year licence will be €25. The cost of a learner permit is €35. Changes to existing licences and permits, for example, if you wish to add a ‘New Category’, will cost €35. Licences for the over 70s will remain free of charge. Under the terms of the EU 3rd Directive, a three-year licence will only be available to those over 60.
