Measures have been introduced 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.
Businesses should also be reassured that from April 21 Certificates of Roadworthiness will not be necessary to tax a commercial vehicle, in line with previous arrangements announced for private cars.
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.
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.