It has been announced that motorists in Northern Ireland whose driving licences are set to expire are set to have an extension for seven months.
The extension applies to those licenses with an expiry date between February and August of this year. Unfortunately, this extension does not apply to taxi drivers as they are not covered by the EU driving licence directive.
It was announced by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon who said this will come into effect in the coming days under EU rules. The change will be automatic with no action required by the driver.
She said…
“I understand that for many people at this time in particular, having a valid licence allowing them to drive for essential journeys or to ensure they can continue to work, is vital.
“This new EU Regulation provides a practical solution to a very real problem and ensures that those in this situation can remain on the road without having to worry about getting a renewal application processed, which for some requires a medical assessment. It will also help any customers who could not access or were finding it difficult to renew their licence online.
“Road safety is my key priority and I would therefore remind all drivers that they have a responsibility to notify the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) if they have a new or worsening medical condition or disability that may affect their ability to drive.”
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