Further statement from Minister Ross in relation to the Vehicle Testing, Driver Licensing, and Related Services

Published: 20 April 2020
From: Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has announced the details of the legislative steps he has taken in support of the necessary closure of a range of Road Safety Authority services as result of the ongoing COVID 19 situation.

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

In addition, and in line with the arrangements previously in place for NCT certificates in relation to private cars, it will no longer be necessary to have a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) in order to tax a commercial vehicle. You should be able to renew your motor tax for a commercial vehicle from tomorrow, 21 April 2020, without need of a CRW.

Speaking from his home today, Minister Ross said ‘When I announced the suspension of a number of RSA services on 28 March, I said that I had asked my officials and the RSA to work on measures to extend the validity of certain documents which people would not be able to renew during the suspension period. I am happy to be able to announce today that I have signed a number of regulations to bring this into effect ‘As people will understand, because NCT facilities and driving licence offices are closed there will be no issuing of new documents – you will not be receiving a new NCT nor will you be receiving new driving licence with the new expiry date on it. if you have an out of date CRW or commercial motor tax disc, the Garda Síochána are aware of the issue and a pragmatic approach will be taken at this time, given that it is not possible to have these vehicle tests done or, in some cases, to have commercial motor tax renewed.”

‘I am pleased to see that Insurance Ireland have said that their members will treat licences and NCTs covered by these measures as valid for the extended period, and I would like to thank them for acting in the public interest at this time.’

‘Although driver licensing and vehicle testing services are suspended, motor tax renewals (whether for commercial vehicles or privately-owned cars) can, in most instances, be transacted online at www.motortax.ie. Motor tax offices are also continuing to process postal applications.’

‘These are stressful times for all of us, and I would like therefore to reassure those who have been concerned about how to renew their licence or NCT during this period that they have not been forgotten, and that their documents will continue to be recognised with the extended period of validity.’

‘Finally, I would like to reiterate that people should confine themselves to strictly necessary journeys only – it is essential that we keep up the pressure to slow the spread of COVID 19 by observing the HSE guidelines and the restrictions introduced by the Government on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. If you do have to travel, please remember to drive safely and observe the rules of the road. While we all focus on defeating the virus, we should not lose sight of the need to take care of ourselves and other road users when driving.’

The Minister has taken the following steps in relation to driver licensing –

• Driving licenses 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