Online exchange of UK driving licences must be prioritised – Richmond

With less than two months left in the Brexit transition period, the NDLS must prioritise the introduction of online applications for exchanging a UK driving licence, Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has said.

Deputy Richmond, the party spokesperson on European Affairs, said: “Once the Brexit transition period ends on January 1^st, those holding UK driving licences and resident in Ireland will no longer be legally allowed to drive in Ireland.

“It is vital that UK licence holders prioritise the exchange of their licence to the Irish counterpart.

“Given the Level 5 restrictions, applicants can only attend an appointment at a NDLS centre provided they are an essential worker.

“Since 2018, 53,000 UK driving licences have been exchanged for the Irish counterpart.

“However, in October there was still a potential 17,000 UK licence holders who had not yet exchanged their UK licence.

“I received confirmation from the Minister for Transport in a Parliamentary Question that the NDLS hopes to allow for online applications for the exchange of a licence by mid-November.

“This must be a priority for the NDLS and the Minister for Transport as it is crucial that UK licence holders are given the opportunity to exchange their licence, even during Level 5 restrictions.

“If online applications are not introduced, then these 17,000 drivers run the risk of being unable to drive in Ireland come January as their licence will no longer be recognised as valid in Ireland.

“These rules do not impact those visiting Ireland, but those who are resident here.

“It is vital that all UK licence holders are able to exchange their licence, and so the online application process must be rolled out as a matter of urgency by the NDLS.

“The Government has worked steadily for the past four years to minimise the ill-effects of Brexit on the Irish people, and it is now the turn of the NDLS and Minister for Transport to ensure that there are no further impediments to the exchange of licences.”

ENDS