Lost licence, do I have to stop driving for 2 months?

tuxy

Hey,
I know the law says you can not drive unless you have your licence with you.
From what I can see there is a 6 to 8 week backlog for getting a replacement.
I'd even have to travel from Cork to Dublin or Tullmore as the appointments for the other NDLS centres are booked out.

Does this mean I can't drive for about 2 months?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Not at all. Apply for your new licence, as far as I know the NDLS send out acknowledgements that they received your application and you can show it if your asked for your DL.

tuxy

Not too bad. So if I apply for an appointment next week and travel up to Dublin, I only have to stop driving for one week?

Old diesel

tuxy wrote: »

Not too bad. So if I apply for an appointment next week and travel up to Dublin, I only have to stop driving for one week?

Try just walking into the NDLS centre in Cork - check first to see what documents you need to bring with you.

As far as I know - you need something in writing with your PPS number on it - not sure what else you will need off hand - but if you go on the NDLS website there may or rather should be more info on there.

Think the Cork one is open part of the day Saturday too - or it was at the start.

My Dad went to the Tralee one - and he didn't make any appointment.

Btw - it may be worth having a chat with the local Garda station or NDLS - regarding the procedure for a LOST licence - if you hold a valid licence that should be on an official system - so maybe theres some way of getting paperwork to explain the situation so that a Garda who stops you can see you've got a valid licence but that you lost it - and that's been recorded???.

It seems unrealistic to me - that if you lose a licence - you should have to simply stop driving for 2 months - definitely worth checking out to see if theres a specific procedure for replace a LOST licence

tuxy

I went in yesterday and walked up to the counter. A very angry women told me I had to go make an appointment online. Not sure what her problem was, I was only asking

djimi

If you make an appointment online do you get some sort of written confirmation to say when the appointment is? If so, print it out and keep it with you. If thats the system then you cant do any more to get your license any faster, so I dont see what a Garda could do about it if you can show that it will be 6 weeks or whatever before you can even apply for a replacement license. A license is just a piece of paper (or plastic) anyway; not having it with you does not mean that you are not licensed to drive.

What is actually wrong with this country anyway that something so simple can take such a long time to organize? 6-8 weeks just to get an appointment to apply for a license (which will probably take another few weeks to arrive)? Pure madness. No reason it couldnt be completely automated at booths in the license center; take your picture, fill in the details, pay your money, print the card on the spot.

Old diesel

tuxy wrote: »

I went in yesterday and walked up to the counter. A very angry women told me I had to go make an appointment online. Not sure what her problem was, I was only asking

Oh dear - I wonder if theres a phone number you can ring NDLS on.

Id be inclined to go into a Garda station and have a chat with someone there - to say you've lost your licence - and see what advice or help they might be able to give if any.

Id hope the Gardaí would treat you with a bit more courtesy - and be able to give advice on whether you need to literally stop driving for a month

If it were me - id walk in again to NDLS - and ask what is the procedure for replacing A LOST driving licence - as id expect there may be a different procedure for a lost licence - for example - maybe they might fast track the application???.

Surely there must be a better way to deal with a lost licence then to literally stop driving for a month - and have to make your way to Tullamore from Cork to sort it out.

Do you mind if I try and track down NDLS on twitter and find out more.

I won't mention your situation - just ask what is the procedure for replacing a lost driving licence????

tuxy

I made a screenshot of my appointment booking, I should get a email at some stage. I don't know if a guard would accept a print out of this.

djimi wrote: »

A license is just a piece of paper (or plastic) anyway; not having it with you does not mean that you are not licensed to drive.

From what I have read online since 2003 you are required by law to have your licence with you when driving.

djimi

http://www.ndls.ie/about-us/where-are-the-new-ndls-centres.html

http://www.ndls.ie/en/Online-Services/ndls-booking-service.html

Doesnt mention anything about you having to make an appointment. It says that you can make an appointment, but nowhere does it mention that it is mandatory; just that they cannot guarantee that you will be seen on the day of arrival. In fact, from futher reading, the second link states:

You can also walk into one of these five centres to make your application. However you should be aware that available slots for people walking in fill up very quickly so you should try to arrive as early as possible. If you can't be seen on the same day you walk in, an appointment can be made at the centre for a different time and date.

Id say that woman in the center was well out of order to speak to you in that manner. If you are going in again insist to deal with a manager this time and ask them is it the policy of NDLS to be rude to customers who are not familiar with the new system.

wonski

tuxy wrote: »

I made a screenshot of my appointment booking, I should get a email at some stage. I don't know if a guard would accept a print out of this.



From what I have read online since 2003 you are required by law to have your licence with you when driving.

You are required to have it, but there is no penalty for not having it at the same time;)

tuxy

wonski wrote: »

You are required to have it, but there is no penalty for not having it at the same time;)

You have 10 days to produce it at a garda station. What happens if you fail to produce it?

djimi

tuxy wrote: »

From what I have read online since 2003 you are required by law to have your licence with you when driving.

You are, but like I said, the piece of paper is not a license, it just proof of a licnese, so if you can show that you have made every possible effort within the system available to have this license with you then I really dont see what more they could do to you. Its not reasonable to expect someone not to drive for 2-3 months because this country cant get the finger out and implement a system properly.

Old diesel

Heres what NDLS have to say apparently

http://www.ndls.ie/en/Driving-Licence/lost-or-stolen-licence.html

wonski

tuxy wrote: »

You have 10 days to produce it at a garda station. What happens if you fail to produce it?

You explain it and it will be fine. Garda are human, not some robots.

This won't go to court, and even if it goes it will be struck out straight away.
The OP has a license and won't be done for not having one.

I wouldn't worry at all OP, make sure to get this sorted asap and you will be fine.

emeldc

OP you don't have to stop driving just because you can't find your license. Technically you still have one, you just don't have a copy of it. You are applying for a replacement license (€35) which requires making a declaration of same at a Garda station. It's all on the NDLA form.
I applied for a replacement in Kilkenny last month. I walked in, straight to the desk, meeting took about 15 mins and I got my license a week later.

Old diesel

emeldc wrote: »

OP you don't have to stop driving just because you can't find your license. Technically you still have one, you just don't have a copy of it. You are applying for a replacement license (€35) which requires making a declaration of same at a Garda station. It's all on the NDLA form.
I applied for a replacement in Kilkenny last month. I walked in, straight to the desk, meeting took about 15 mins and I got my license a week later.

When you say replacement - was that due to your licence coming near its expiry date - or did you lose your licence.

Pleased to see you got the replacement in 1 week

emeldc

Old diesel wrote: »

When you say replacement - was that due to your licence coming near its expiry date - or did you lose your licence.

Pleased to see you got the replacement in 1 week

Replacement as in, I lost/misplaced my old license. The replacement license only runs for the duration of your old license, in my case my replacement will now expire in 2018. A 'New' license on the other hand will last 10 years (Cars).

Old diesel

emeldc wrote: »

Replacement as in, I lost/misplaced my old license. The replacement license only runs for the duration of your old license, in my case my replacement will now expire in 2018. A 'New' license on the other hand will last 10 years (Cars).

Nice one thanks

Carrig1

Was the replacement the new plastic license or the old paper license?

tuxy

Carrig1 wrote: »

Was the replacement the new plastic license or the old paper license?

I don't think they make the old ones at all anymore.

emeldc

Carrig1 wrote: »

Was the replacement the new plastic license or the old paper license?

Yup, the plastic one.

Duiske

I'm still using the paper license, so not sure who deals with issuing of licenses now. If it's still the local council you can go in and ask for a print-out of your license history. I had to do this after an accident in order to rent a car. There was no charge as it was not on the list of chargable items, and no problem with Enterprise accepting it as proof of license. I don't think the op needs to go this far, but if he/she is nervous about driving with no proof of license then it's an option.

guil

Duiske wrote: »

I'm still using the paper license, so not sure who deals with issuing of licenses now. If it's still the local council you can go in and ask for a print-out of your license history. I had to do this after an accident in order to rent a car. There was no charge as it was not on the list of chargable items, and no problem with Enterprise accepting it as proof of license. I don't think the op needs to go this far, but if he/she is nervous about driving with no proof of license then it's an option.

All licence applications go to ndls since January.

CiniO

djimi wrote: »

You are, but like I said, the piece of paper is not a license, it just proof of a licnese, so if you can show that you have made every possible effort within the system available to have this license with you then I really dont see what more they could do to you. Its not reasonable to expect someone not to drive for 2-3 months because this country cant get the finger out and implement a system properly.

It's definitely not reasonable, but that's the law.
If you are driving without driving licence in you pocket, you are breaking the law.
OP's situation with lost licence is not that bad yet, because whatever you say, it's his fault that he lost the licence.
But what about people who genuinely go to NDLS place to renew or exchange licence, and stay without document for weeks or months. They haven't done anything wrong, but still have to break the law by driving without licence.

Surely in Ireland no single gard is going to prosecute anyone for driving without document, because they know how the system works. So it's like breaking the law without any consequences.
But problem arises if someone intends to drive abroad. No licence - no driving.
And IMO it's quite severe problem.

djimi

I'd say the chances of your license even bring looked at at slim to none, let alone the chance of being prosecuted! I'd say its probably 5 or 6 years since anyone bar the NCT has asked to see my license.

Of course sods law and all that...!

CiniO

djimi wrote: »

I'd say the chances of your license even bring looked at at slim to none, let alone the chance of being prosecuted! I'd say its probably 5 or 6 years since anyone bar the NCT has asked to see my license.

Yes- here in Ireland - true.
But even NCT example.
If you left your licence for renewal, and don't hold a passport, then you are unable to NCT your car. Nonsense, isn't it?

I've been asked for my licence 5 times in 2 months time this winter. That was all abroad. If I hadn't my licence with me, my car would be towed away, and I wouldn't be let to drive, causing me a horrendous complications.
Do you think that is right?

2 years ago I couldn't NCT my own car, because my licence was on exchange process.

There should a system of issuing licence on the spot.

wonski

CiniO wrote: »

Yes- here in Ireland - true.
But even NCT example.
If you left your licence for renewal, and don't hold a passport, then you are unable to NCT your car. Nonsense, isn't it?

I've been asked for my licence 5 times in 2 months time this winter. That was all abroad. If I hadn't my licence with me, my car would be towed away, and I wouldn't be let to drive, causing me a horrendous complications.
Do you think that is right?

2 years ago I couldn't NCT my own car, because my licence was on exchange process.

There should a system of issuing licence on the spot.

First of all - you can NCT the car, you have to present the license to collect the certificate.

If you can't present your license abroad you can drive away if you can prove you have a license. May not be a case in all countries, but it is doable. Fax will do.

And finally - show me a country where a license is issued on a spot - I doubt there is one. Even if there is, most countries do not offer service like this.

ironclaw

wonski wrote: »

And finally - show me a country where a license is issued on a spot - I doubt there is one. Even if there is, most countries do not offer service like this.

Spain. You can walk in and get your national ID, driving license and passport on the spot. I've seen it done with my very eyes and I actually had to keep asking 'You sure? Did you pre-book? Surely you must have done some paperwork before?' Nope. Just turn up. Took about 20 mins. America, yes it can take a while depending on time of day, but you can get a license in less than a day without booking.

There is absolutely no reason why it can't be done here. But in Ireland it pays to be inefficient. If the passport office or driving licenses were that efficient, they would be busy one day of the year. NCT or Motor Tax office is probably the best example of engineering inefficiency to their own benefit.

Its a scandal that with all the pomp and ceremony you still have to make a booking to get a license. It should be so efficient that you can just walk in any day of the week and get one within an hour. Should have been a stipulation of the contract in my eyes.

CiniO

wonski wrote: »

First of all - you can NCT the car, you have to present the license to collect the certificate.

You can now.
When I went there without licence, it was about 2 years ago, and it were times when they actually started enforcing the rule about ID. I think law allowing them to make "lack of ID" as visual retest thing was introduced a month later.
Guy at the counter literally refused to test my car without my having licence or passport. I had my personal ID (issued by Polish authority) which is valid all over EU, but he refused to accept that.
I told him even if I rebook my test for next week, I still won't be able to bring licence or passport, as I don't have any of those. He still refused.
I had to ask some random guy to present my car for me, and it worked.

If you can't present your license abroad you can drive away if you can prove you have a license. May not be a case in all countries, but it is doable. Fax will do.

Very unlikely.
In most cases foreign national without licence in any country means stop driving. Your cars gets towed away.

And finally - show me a country where a license is issued on a spot - I doubt there is one. Even if there is, most countries do not offer service like this.

I don't know, but I believe there must be plenty.
In Poland it takes 2 weeks, but at least they don't leave you without document when renewing or updating, exchanging licence.
You drop off your old one, once new one is ready.
I can't undestand why it can't work like this here in Ireland.

djimi

wonski wrote: »

And finally - show me a country where a license is issued on a spot - I doubt there is one. Even if there is, most countries do not offer service like this.

The tax office in Cork used to hand them out on the spot I believe.

There really is no reason why it cant be done, especially for renewals and replacement licenses. You go to a booth that takes your picture, you enter your details, it looks up your data on the system, takes payment and prints out a license. Where is the difficulty?

tuxy

I'm a bit worried now. It might be OK. But I don't want to break the law.
It could be a difficult two months.

wonski

djimi wrote: »

The tax office in Cork used to hand them out on the spot I believe.

You go to a booth that takes your picture, you enter your details, it looks up your data on the system, takes payment and prints out a license. Where is the difficulty?

Printing part i think

emeldc

tuxy wrote: »

I'm a bit worried now. It might be OK. But I don't want to break the law.
It could be a difficult two months.

Will ya stop worrying. When you go to the NDLS office they will give you this. There isn't a Guard in the land that would 'do' you for it.

wonski

emeldc wrote: »

Will ya stop worrying. When you go to the NDLS office they will give you this. There isn't a Guard in the land that would 'do' you for it.

Spot on - and driving with that piece of paper is far from "breaking the law".
Just because you are required to carry one doesn't mean you are breaking the law OP.

Bear in mind that if stopped at a MAT checkpoint you will be subject to the lower legal limit. I am sure it is not an inconvenience to you at all.

Other than that You will be fine (not fined - just fine;)).

tuxy

emeldc wrote: »

Will ya stop worrying. When you go to the NDLS office they will give you this. There isn't a Guard in the land that would 'do' you for it.

I've just been using open drive on a friends car. Will I be able to get my own car insured using that print out?

emeldc

tuxy wrote: »

I've just been using open drive on a friends car. Will I be able to get my own car insured using that print out?

NO.

tuxy

emeldc wrote: »

NO.

So I won't be able to get my own insurance for about 2 months. I will need it if I get one of the jobs I'm applying for.

emeldc

tuxy wrote: »

So I won't be able to get my own insurance for about 2 months. I will need it if I get one of the jobs I'm applying for.

Well, just to clarify, they might cover you temporarily but they wont issue a cert without seeing your license, and you're missing enough paperwork already :rolleyes:

tuxy

emeldc wrote: »

Well, just to clarify, they might cover you temporarily but they wont issue a cert without seeing your license, and you're missing enough paperwork already :rolleyes:

What paperwork? I'm looking to get one of the new plastic cards.

tuxy

I'm also getting a passport renewal right now. It takes 10 working days and you don't need an appointment to just apply for it. What gives?

emeldc

you haven't got much going for you in the way of ID, have you

djimi

tuxy wrote: »

So I won't be able to get my own insurance for about 2 months. I will need it if I get one of the jobs I'm applying for.

Your insurer may ask you to send in a copy of your license within a number of days after taking out the policy (might be 14 or 28 days). That said, I joined Liberty last year and all they wanted was a copy of my NCB, they asked nothing about my license, so you might be okay.

CiniO

wonski wrote: »

Spot on - and driving with that piece of paper is far from "breaking the law".
Just because you are required to carry one doesn't mean you are breaking the law OP.

That's exactly what it means.
If he is driving without licence, he is breaking the law. There's no other way to interpret it.

Bear in mind that if stopped at a MAT checkpoint you will be subject to the lower legal limit. I am sure it is not an inconvenience to you at all.

Other than that You will be fine (not fined - just fine;)).

He will be checked for lower limit, but he can not be prosecuted for being over it (and under higher limit).

CiniO

As said above.
No need to worry, unless you need your licence for new insurance, for NCT or for driving abroad.

Best way to work out the system, is to loose your licence at some stage, apply for replacement and then miraculously find it and keep it just in case.
Then you are covered for above cases for the time your licence is in renewal or excheange process.

slimjimmc

Actually it's not illegal to drive without carrying your licence around on you per sé. The law only requires you to produce it immediately to a Garda if he so demands, or with 10 days if he so demands. There is no offence unless a Garda asks to see your licence and you cannot produce it.
I agree with others who say just keep the NDLS receipt to hand and don't worry about it. The exact same has been happening for decades for anyone who renewing their licence (tax office gave you a receipt saying the licence was being renewed).

tuxy

emeldc wrote: »

you haven't got much going for you in the way of ID, have you

No but if you know of something I can do to help the situation I would be grateful.

BuffyBot

So I won't be able to get my own insurance for about 2 months. I will need it if I get one of the jobs I'm applying for.

The licence issuing timeframe seems to be much more closer to the targeted 8 working days than it was. The massive delays which were occurring when the NDLS first took over seem to be over. I don't think you need keep worrying about a 2 month delay.

emeldc

tuxy wrote: »

No but if you know of something I can do to help the situation I would be grateful.

Errm, yeah, go to the NDLS and apply for your license.

tuxy

emeldc wrote: »

Errm, yeah, go to the NDLS and apply for your license.

Can't, need photo ID for that.

Old diesel

tuxy wrote: »

Can't, need photo ID for that.

Not sure the solution to that issue

BUT - thinking about it logically - there has to be some procedure to address that issue - because imagine you have a situation where say your house goes on fire with all your id inside.

Do you need photo ID to apply for a passport - im sure theres a way of fast tracking passport applications.

Id enquire to the Passport office about it.

They used to have a place in Cork but don't know if they still do

wonski

Old diesel wrote: »

Not sure the solution to that issue

BUT - thinking about it logically - there has to be some procedure to address that issue - because imagine you have a situation where say your house goes on fire with all your id inside.

Do you need photo ID to apply for a passport - im sure theres a way of fast tracking passport applications.

Id enquire to the Passport office about it.

They used to have a place in Cork but don't know if they still do

I think the OP already applied for a new passport, but he doesn't have it now so can't apply for a new license until he gets it.

There are fast track passport options in emergency situations, not for drivng licences unfortunately.