Irish drivers born in these years won't 'legally be able to drive' under strict rule

Drivers in Ireland born in certain years are being warned that they may soon be unable to "legally drive" under recently changed rules.

In Ireland, most motorists are required to renew their driving licence every 10 years, but once someone reached the age of 75, additional requirements come into play.

From that age onward, drivers must inform the National Driver Licence Service if they have any long-term injury or illness that could affect their ability to drive safely.

As a result, drivers born before 1949, will need a certification of fitness to drive from their doctor. Those born before 1949 also need to apply for either a three-year or one-year licence.

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This affects anyone 75 years or over, or if the licence you are renewing expires on the eve of your 75th birthday

In February 2022, the age at which an applicant for a driving licence must supply a medical report increased from 70 to 75.

It was changed so that drivers under 75 will no longer have to supply a medical report confirming their fitness to drive, unless they have an identified or specified illness or are required to do so by law.

Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said at the time: “People who are 70 years of age or over can now apply for, and renew, their driving licence without the need to submit a medical report, on the condition that they do not have an identified or specified illness. Drivers up to the age of 75 can simply renew their license or learner permit in person, by post or online at ndls.ie at their convenience.”

Supporting this change, Professor Desmond O’Neill from the National Office for Traffic Medicine commented: “This change is welcome in terms of recognising that older drivers are an exceptionally responsible group of drivers. In addition, the change is supported by international research indicating that routine medical screening of older drivers is not only ineffective but may actually unintentionally increase injury and death among older people as pedestrians.

The policy change is supported by comprehensive guidelines on medical fitness to drive, updated annually, and a range of educational resources for both the public and healthcare professionals. These supports ensure older drivers can remain safe and informed on the road.

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