Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has welcomed measures to extend a range of vehicle requirements, including NCT tests and driving licences.
The extensions follow the closure of a number of Road Safety Authority Services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the new measures, the following have come into effect in relation to vehicle testing:
• NCT –vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March 2020 have that test date extended by 4 months.
• Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests (CVRT) – vehicles with a test that was or will be due on or after 28 March have that test date extended by 3 months.
The following steps have been taken in relation to driver licensing –
• Driving licences due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months.
• Learner Permits due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their date of expiry extended by 4 months.
• Driver Theory Test certificates due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months
• Certificates of Competency – issued when people pass a driving test and required when applying for a first full driving licence – due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months.
• Initial Basic Training certificates for motorcycle learners due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 inclusive have had that date extended by 4 months.
Minister Canney said: “Many people have been rightly concerned about the fact that their certificates or licences are due to expire. These measures will set their minds at ease.
“Businesses should also be reassured that from today (Tuesday April 21) Certificates of Roadworthiness will not be necessary to tax a commercial vehicle, in line with previous arrangements announced for private cars.
“I am pleased that Insurance Ireland has said its members will treat licences and certificates as valid for the extended four month period. Gardai are also fully aware of the new arrangements and will act accordingly.
“It is important however that everyone is aware that motor tax for both private and commercial vehicles can be renewed online at www.motortax.ie. Motor tax offices are also continuing to process postal applications.”

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
April 21 2020