NDLS - National Driver Licence Service centres (Qs, waiting times, etc)

Wishbone Ash · 12-02-2018 3:15pm

cantdecide wrote: »

...If I have that right, you should receive a '10 year licence' containing a combination of 10 year 'group 1 categories' and 5 year 'group 2 categories' (because medical certificates expire in 5 years max). ....

I'd didn't realise that until they explained it to me when I renewed so my licence is effectively only for 5 years now.

cantdecide · 12-02-2018 3:43pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I'd didn't realise that until they explained it to me when I renewed so my licence is effectively only for 5 years now.

In 2013, the rules changed to harmonise with the EU and the possibility to get a 10 year medical for truck and bus drivers went out the window.

CiniO · 12-02-2018 3:54pm

cantdecide wrote: »

The short answer is that if you renew, say, 1 month early, you effectively lose that 1 month and you receive a new licence starting that day you applied with no allowance for the lost month.

Thanks.
I wasn't sure about that.
So it's better to wait close to renewal date then.

When you say a 5 year licence, do you mean that you have group 2 categories that expire in 5 years time? I ask because full licences are only issued on 1, 3 or 10 year basis.

Yes, I have categories B, C and D.

If I have that right, you should receive a '10 year licence' containing a combination of 10 year 'group 1 categories' and 5 year 'group 2 categories' (because medical certificates expire in 5 years max). If you no longer wish to hold 'group 2 categories' after 5 years, you do nothing, just make sure you don't sit behind the wheel of a truck or bus and simply use your licence for your car for 5 more years before renewing it. If after 5 years you still wish to drive 'group 2' categories, you have to go back to the NDLS with a fresh 5 year medical report and apply for a fresh '10 year licence' under the same circumstances.

Thanks for explaining that.
I actually thought that you only receive 5 years on all categories if you hold any of group 2 categories. It's handy to still get B category for 10 years even though C and D will be only for 5 years.
In general though, I'll probably need to renew after 5 years anyway, as I use D quite reguraley

glaswegian · 20-02-2018 8:29pm

Hi all,apologies if this is in the wrong section.
i need to apply for a new licence as the one i have (the old style paper one)isn't recognised as proof of i.d. in some places anymore. i'll have to apply for the new plastic card one, will it be a case of swapping one licence for another,or is there a drawn out system to go through before my old licence is replaced and does it take long to get.
cheers.

cantdecide · 20-02-2018 9:00pm

You haven't mentioned whether your current paper licence is due for renewal at this point. If it isn't within 3 months of renewal you can't elect to renew early. If that's the case, the only way a new licence can be issued to you is if something fundamentally has changed such as personal details like address or name or licence categories being added or removed. The only other way that a new licence can be issued to someone in your circumstances is if you've found your licence lost or stolen.

If you are within range to renew it, it's straight forward enough process. You need to go to the NDLS with your old licence, app form, proof of PPSN, any documents supporting changes you wish to make (eg address) and pay the cash. They will take your photo at the centre. If the old licence is still in date, they'll give it back to you. If it's a straight forward renewal, you should receive your new one in the post pretty quickly.

glaswegian · 20-02-2018 9:39pm

cantdecide wrote: »

You haven't mentioned whether your current paper licence is due for renewal at this point. If it isn't within 3 months of renewal you can't elect to renew early. If that's the case, the only way a new licence can be issued to you is if something fundamentally has changed such as personal details like address or name or licence categories being added or removed. The only other way that a new licence can be issued to someone in your circumstances is if you've found your licence lost or stolen.

If you are within range to renew it, it's straight forward enough process. You need to go to the NDLS with your old licence, app form, proof of PPSN, any documents supporting changes you wish to make (eg address) and pay the cash. They will take your photo at the centre. If the old licence is still in date, they'll give it back to you. If it's a straight forward renewal, you should receive your new one in the post pretty quickly.

Thanks for your info,if my license was lost,who do I report it to, the guards or the NDLS ?

punisher5112 · 20-02-2018 9:46pm

glaswegian wrote: »

Thanks for your info,if my license was lost,who do I report it to, the guards or the NDLS ?

You will need to fill out form at Garda station to say it was lost or stolen.

glaswegian · 20-02-2018 10:05pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

You will need to fill out form at Garda station to say it was lost or stolen.

Thanks ðŸ‘

cantdecide · 21-02-2018 12:45am

punisher5112 wrote: »

You will need to fill out form at Garda station to say it was lost or stolen.

It's actually the very same application form as a standard renewal (D401) just the section relating to declaring it lost needs to be stamped and signed by the Garda.

glaswegian · 21-02-2018 9:48pm

Thanks folks for all your info,form filled, stamped by guard and processed by NDLS.

JamesBond2010 · 22-02-2018 3:22pm

Lads can I ask when they send u a txt msg saying your licence has being dispatched is it 5 days from then u receive it or would u get it before then. Tmw Fri would be a wk gone (Applied last Fri). Only got the txt msg today.

shinikins · 24-02-2018 11:47am

It says on the text, 2-3 days. I imagine you'll have it in those 2-3 days.

JamesBond2010 · 05-03-2018 8:10am

Guess what the bunch of tw**** managed to screw up my address .how hard is it copy it from my licence. Expect me to send it back & wait nearly 2 wks for it to come back then.again

cantdecide · 05-03-2018 9:15am

JamesBond2010 wrote: »

Guess what the bunch of tw**** managed to screw up my address .how hard is it copy it from my licence. Expect me to send it back & wait nearly 2 wks for it to come back then.again

It could be the case that there was a discrepancy between the format you put your address on the form and your previous address on your licence and/ or another supporting document. Addresses are the biggest fcuk up. For example, if you added or omitted a superfluous line line to your address and it was supported by, say, a P60 you submitted to establish your PPSN, then they would have no choice but to follow your 'altered' address as it was supported by a document.

Address fcuk ups are the responsibility of the NDLS centre itself. The central processing unit eventually stopped checking addresses as they were so problematic. Even if the processing unit spots that a customer has applied for a new address and given evidence, if the agent in the centre fails to spot the change, the processing unit have no choice but to dispatch it to the wrong address knowing that in a couple of weeks it will prompt the customer to call looking for it. Only then can the processing unit update the address. Yay, outsourcing.

JamesBond2010 · 05-03-2018 10:19am

cantdecide wrote: »

It could be the case that there was a discrepancy between the format you put your address on the form and your previous address on your licence and/ or another supporting document. Addresses are the biggest fcuk up. For example, if you added or omitted a superfluous line line to your address and it was supported by, say, a P60 you submitted to establish your PPSN, then they would have no choice but to follow your 'altered' address as it was supported by a document.

Address fcuk ups are the responsibility of the NDLS centre itself. The central processing unit eventually stopped checking addresses as they were so problematic. Even if the processing unit spots that a customer has applied for a new address and given evidence, if the agent in the centre fails to spot the change, the processing unit have no choice but to dispatch it to the wrong address knowing that in a couple of weeks it will prompt the customer to call looking for it. Only then can the processing unit update the address. Yay, outsourcing.

It was the same address that was printed on my licence & p60 & form. i even spelt it out for them.. i am not bothered changing it leaving it off. i am already complained to them this morn. It is like me calling you candecide when you name is actually Cantdecide. if they want me they know where to get me ( my phone number)

c6ysaphjvqw41k · 09-03-2018 9:24am

This post has been deleted.

biko · 09-03-2018 10:52am

There is a bunch of videos here to explain process
https://www.ndls.ie/booking-service.html

If I'm not mistaken there is a ticket machine. You get a number and wait to be called, or perhaps they will call you by name.
This could vary from centre to centre

somefeen · 20-03-2018 6:48pm

Hello
In a bit of a pickle at the moment.

I've been offered a job starting Monday which requires a full B licence.
I just had a look at my licence for the first time in ages and realised it expired in January.

I'm heading in first thing in the morning to get it renewed just wondering if theyll be able to give me something to say that my licence is in the post?
Unbelievably annoyed with myself for not spotting this sooner.

biko · 20-03-2018 7:04pm

They will give you a receipt when you call in to renew.
This is not a licence in itself, but may placate your new employer.

Read through these and bring the necessary things
https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html#renew-a-driving-licence

somefeen · 20-03-2018 9:26pm

biko wrote: »

They will give you a receipt when you call in to renew.
This is not a licence in itself, but may placate your new employer.

Read through these and bring the necessary things
https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html#renew-a-driving-licence

Thanks very much that eases my stress a little bit. I'm just going to take a photocopy of my licence beforehand and hopefully if I have that and the receipt it will be enough.

Fogmatic · 18-04-2018 11:22am

My driving licence expires on April 29th, and I received the renewal form, accompanied by a notice. After details about the new Public Services Card requirement, it says that from April 2018 onwards there'll be an option to renew online, for 'some of our customers'. And that to see if I may be able to do it, I can visit the NDLS website.

I can't find anywhere on the website to find that out (or any link to an online form) - does that mean the scheme hasn't yet started? And if so, does anyone know the starting date?

I'll probably just walk in to my local centre as usual, but it could be useful to know if online application will be an option should an ailment or something keep me at home when time's running short (in our household, we never know what might suddenly need attention, or when!).

biko · 18-04-2018 11:26am

Seems there is info missing in your post. Are you asking about online or the card?

Acc to Irish Times it may not be mandatory (this was last month though)
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/public-services-card-to-obtain-driving-licence-now-voluntary-1.3442172

Del2005 · 18-04-2018 12:16pm

You can only do the online renewal once they have your picture. So for a first renewal you have to go into an office to get your picture taken and subsequent renewals should be doable online, whenever it's launched.

Fogmatic · 18-04-2018 12:51pm

Asking about the online option for renewal, biko (I have a Public Services Card - sorry for confusion).

Thanks Del2005 - they already have my picture (it's on my new style credit card size licence). Just wondered if the online option has started (and if so, how to get to it).

(Though if by "online" they mean the same as Medical Card applications do, it won't save any journeys!)

Fogmatic · 20-04-2018 9:42pm

Had the renewal done today. (They did need to take a new photo, though they took the last one only 3 years ago).

I'd forgotten how quick the process is, and was so impressed with the speed that I forgot to ask about online applications! (Though a new photo each time seems to remove any advantage of those).

The Meeples Champ · 02-05-2018 10:28am

Do I need to book an appointment online or can I just take a ticket when I arrive?

punisher5112 · 02-05-2018 10:30am

The Meeples Champ wrote: »

Do I need to book an appointment online or can I just take a ticket when I arrive?

You can walk in but could be waiting a while it all depends. Get in early.

The Meeples Champ · 02-05-2018 10:37am

punisher5112 wrote: »

You can walk in but could be waiting a while it all depends. Get in early.

Thanks a mil. There is no where with appointments in my area for the next 3 weeks and my licence needs to be renewed by the 15th. Completely underestimated the queue for appointments

Del2005 · 02-05-2018 10:49am

The Meeples Champ wrote: »

Thanks a mil. There is no where with appointments in my area for the next 3 weeks and my licence needs to be renewed by the 15th. Completely underestimated the queue for appointments

Definitely go and take a ticket. I renewed a few months ago and several Internet bookings didn't turn up while I was waiting for my appointment. I was booked in for 4pm in Citywest and the drop in wait time was 30 minutes

Fogmatic · 02-05-2018 11:53am

Yes, Del2005 is right - it's worth trying a walk-in(s), especially when near the renewal deadline (it could get you sorted very quickly). The less popular centres might increase the chances, but they seem very good at fitting people in anyway. And unless you leave it till nearly closing time, chances are there'll be a no-show/latecomer anyway. I made an appointment this time, as my centre appeared nearly booked up for the next week or so. I got there early in case of no-shows, and lo and behold there was one and I got seen a bit before my appointed time.

You could always also bag the earliest appointment available, and keep checking the appointment calendars (people do exist who bother to cancel soon enough to be helpful!).

The Meeples Champ · 02-05-2018 12:18pm

Thanks Folks.

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 25-05-2018 11:53pm

Anybody apply for a licence in the last 3 weeks notice any delays ?

Passed the artic test and went in on Wednesday the 16th may and haven't gotten anything yet.

Not even a text to say the licence has been dispatched.

Didn't have issue in the center and didn't have any problems with previous licences this year

JamesBond2010 · 26-05-2018 11:33am

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Anybody apply for a licence in the last 3 weeks notice any delays ?

Passed the artic test and went in on Wednesday the 16th may and haven't gotten anything yet.

Not even a text to say the licence has been dispatched.

Didn't have issue in the center and didn't have any problems with previous licences this year

Its the main centre that the delay is i say. i did mine in middle of march & it was over 2 wks before i even got a txt msg saying licence was sent. Could get it Wed nxt week.

Hal1 · 26-05-2018 12:26pm

I have to renew as mine is due for renewal at the end of next month. So I go into the centre and they give a 2 hour 40 mins wait time, ticket 55. Feck that I said so I piss off to get a hair cut, when I arrive back after an hour or so, I see the ticket number 72 is displayed on the screen.
So I missed my fecking time slot

. Now I have booked it online which I should have done in the first place. Next friday is now booked to renew this feckin thing.

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime · 28-05-2018 3:10pm

Must've been a fault on their system.

Got a text this morning to say dispatched today to expect withing 3-5 working days

Was in the letter box when I got home !

Result !

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 28-05-2018 3:54pm

This post has been deleted.

JamesBond2010 · 28-05-2018 4:47pm

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime wrote: »

Must've been a fault on their system.

Got a text this morning to say dispatched today to expect withing 3-5 working days

Was in the letter box when I got home !

Result !

as In Monty Python ''You lucky Bastard''

:D:D (have to do it in the voice)

accensi0n · 28-05-2018 7:53pm

Booked a few weeks ago for Leopardstown today, was in there about 15 minutes, a lot quicker than I expected.

Eggs For Dinner · 28-05-2018 10:55pm

Walk in is the way to go in Wexford Town. Never more than 3 or 4 waiting at any time. When I booked online it was a 10 day wait. I was in and out in 30 minutes going in the next day

Hal1 · 30-05-2018 8:23pm

Hal1 wrote: »

I have to renew as mine is due for renewal at the end of next month. So I go into the centre and they give a 2 hour 40 mins wait time............

I was advised to try Santry ndls, So I did so this afternoon. In and out in an hour, maybe 30 people in front of me. I'll have the new drivers card in a week or so. Still have my pink license too as it's still valid

.

shinikins · 01-06-2018 12:01am

Hal1 wrote: »

I was advised to try Santry ndls, So I did so this afternoon. In and out in an hour, maybe 30 people in front of me. I'll have the new drivers card in a week or so. Still have my pink license too as it's still valid .

Your old licence is now invalid, the newly issued licence is the only valid licence you have. Toss the old one as soon as you get the card style licence.

cena · 08-06-2018 12:26pm

My licence expired on the 5th. Totally forgot about it. No appointments available till next week.

Can I drive when I book an appointment

Cee-Jay-Cee · 08-06-2018 12:34pm

Yes.

Book your appointment and bring the booking confirmation with you in case you are stopped.

You are fully covered by insurance.

cena · 08-06-2018 2:57pm

OSI wrote: »

You don't need to book btw. You can show up at anytime and join the queue. I arrived for 9am to my local one with no appointment and was out by 9:45.

I booked already

Del2005 · 09-06-2018 1:16am

cena wrote: »

I booked already

I booked for my time slot and while I was waiting I'd say less than 50% of the booked names where there. Try a walk in and if you manage cancel the booking.

Amouar · 13-06-2018 2:21pm

OSI wrote: »

You don't need to book btw. You can show up at anytime and join the queue. I arrived for 9am to my local one with no appointment and was out by 9:45.

How long did it take you to receive your licence by post?

Hal1 · 14-06-2018 7:09am

I was waiting a week and was surprised at the efficiency of the whole process.

pmcg1983 · 03-09-2018 2:48pm

Hello, my driver license expires tomorrow and was going to try and get a walk-in appointment at the NDLS Centre in Mallow as the earlier appointment I can get online is the end of the month. Was wondering if anyone was able to let me know if walk-in appointments in Mallow have a long waiting time and if it's more busy in the morning or the afternoon? I can go first thing in the morning or at around 3 in the afternoon, going in the afternoon would suit me better but want to make sure I get seen if I go at that time. Thanks in advance for any help.

shinikins · 03-09-2018 9:23pm

Go in the morning-its exceptionally busy there. You may not be seen after 3pm, depending on how many are in the queue.

Keith186 · 03-09-2018 10:54pm

You can do it online now if you have enough details. You need to have a MyGovID and PSC card already.

NDLS - National Driver Licence Service centres (Qs, waiting times, etc)

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