Irish motorists who have had a driving licence for 10 years could face a big fine if they don't renew it on time.
Once issued, a licence for a valid for 10 years. Those who drive with an expired licence will be committing an offence.
It is a legal requirement that a driver carries a valid drivers licence at the time of driving.
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Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 amended s. 38 of the 1961 Act allows gardai to arrest without warrant any person, in their opinion, who is driving without a valid licence.
The penalty for driving without a licence, including one that has expired, is a maximum fine of €1,000.
Those who passed their driving test before 2014 are being encouraged to check their licence's validity and ensure they renew it on time.
According to the National Driver Licence Service, there are a number of ways to do this.
Drivers can apply to renew their licence online via the NDLS portal within three months of its expiry date. A spokesperson said: "All you need is the following:
- A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
- Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case."
Alternatively, drivers can book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre in person. A spokesperson said: "To apply in person at an NDLS centre you will need the following:
- Your current or most recent driving licence. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged you must also bring valid photo ID with you
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN).
- Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your lost, stolen or damaged permit and it differs from the one provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
It costs €55 to renew a driving licence online. Those aged over 70 are exempt from paying the fee.
The Road Safety Authority says that drivers can renew their licence up to ten years after it has expired. However, if the licence has expired more than ten years, they will have to sit another theory test, apply for a learner permit, take any mandatory training and pass another driving test.
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