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

a_ominous · 27-08-2019 8:34pm #1

Hi
My current licence was issued in 2015 but has started to deteriorate, with plastic starting to peel away from the licence. Has anyone else experienced a problem and what have they done about it? Request a replacement from NDLS?

Also they made a mistake with date of first issue for B licence. Was issued a few years earlier. Also wondering if anyone else had to get licence re-issued to correct their mistake? I have A licence, and the dates for that are correct, but that was more recent.

araic88 · 24-07-2020 4:14pm

Sorry if this has been answered before, I could only find NCT and learner permit info.
My licence will be out of date in a few weeks, and my local NDLS centre seems to be open but has no available appointments. That's actually the same for almost all the Centres I checked, aside from a few that may have availability in late August (mine expires mid August).

I don't need any supporting documents so I thought I could apply online, but you need a myGovId which I can't get as I don't have a public services card. . . Which aren't being issued currently. :pac:

Does anyone know if the licence dates will be extended again? They gave people 4 extra months if theirs was expiring from March-June, and they've added more time for learner permits, but no mention of the same for renewals.
I'd obviously like to have it sorted so I'm not worrying about being stopped. I am getting married two months after my licence expires though, so if they were offering extensions I could potentially renew with my married name when I've changed it, and save myself another errand ;-)

wonski · 24-07-2020 4:19pm

Only permits were extended further.

Just book the earliest appointment.

Mine will expire next week, have an appointment in the middle of August. What else can you do?

morebarn · 24-07-2020 4:34pm

My husband’s Licence expires early August and the closest appointment we could get to renew it was 26th August.

I mistakenly thought all Licences were extended by Four months; as my own had been.

I checked it on the phone with NDLS and they told me there would be no extension for him.
We have to wait until end of August.
I queried if having proof of appointment made would cover him if he was stopped with out of date Licence. They said NO. But that it would be up to the Garda or whoever looked for Licence to use their judgement. So, no luck for us I’m afraid!

They also stressed that if we had any accidents, claims etc in that time then our Insurance Company would consider us to be breaking the contract terms. That is, driving without an up to date Licence.

Totally our own fault I know!

wonski · 24-07-2020 4:46pm

You should and will be fine.

You are still licensed driver.

You get appointment confirmation by text anyway (not sure if it was optional).

Cerco · 24-07-2020 4:48pm

morebarn wrote: »

They also stressed that if we had any accidents, claims etc in that time then our Insurance Company would consider us to be breaking the contract terms. That is, driving without an up to date Licence.

Totally our own fault I know!

Doubt any insurance company would behave like this particularly in the current situation. Anyway check your policy documents. From my recollection, policies require the driver to hold/have held a licence for the category of vehicle insured.

Asking DLA about possible response from the Gardai, you hardly expected them to tell you that a Garda would ignore an expired licence. I doubt any garda, would even contemplate any action in the circumstances. They are more interested in uninsured cars, banned drivers and tax expired by many months.

Del2005 · 24-07-2020 5:19pm

I'd say that the Gardai spend a lot of their time telling people that their licence is expired after they present it.

Insurance should be fine you only have issues if it's out 10 years or you've been banned.

araic88 · 24-07-2020 5:30pm

Thanks for the responses. I know you'd have to be RIDICULOUSLY unlucky to have any issues in current circumstances, but better for peace of mind to have it sorted.

Anyway, after all my fretting , an appointment popped up in my local centre for next week!! I guess they're getting some cancellations as you can't attend if you've any possible symptoms etc.
Also, checking appointments on a computer was much easier than on my phone!!

Atlantic Dawn · 24-07-2020 6:29pm

Do you still have to fill in a form, bring the form up to the licence centre and get them to enter the details on the form on to their system or can it all be done online? Last time I looked at the form it was a pure pain in the hole format to fill in, complete waste of time me filling it in by hand, someone else trying to read my brutal handwriting and enter it on their ststem.

Cerco · 24-07-2020 8:22pm

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Do you still have to fill in a form, bring the form up to the licence centre and get them to enter the details on the form on to their system or can it all be done online? Last time I looked at the form it was a pure pain in the hole format to fill in, complete waste of time me filling it in by hand, someone else trying to read my brutal handwriting and enter it on their ststem.

Yes, unless you can do it on-line.
To get on-Line access, as stated above, you need a mygov ID. To get that you need a PS Card.

Dr_Colossus · 24-07-2020 8:47pm

Cerco wrote: »

Yes, unless you can do it on-line.
To get on-Line access, as stated above, you need a mygov ID. To get that you need a PS Card.

What a load of balls, why the need for all these different state IDs and cards? My license is expired and like the OP don't have all these secondary requirements to renew online so will have to take time off and visit the NDLS centre.

I renewed my passport last year online and it was the simplest and quickest process imaginable, was really surprised how efficient the whole thing was and had my new passport by post 3 days later. Why can't they do similar for a drivers license.

kravmaga · 24-07-2020 9:02pm

araic88 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses. I know you'd have to be RIDICULOUSLY unlucky to have any issues in current circumstances, but better for peace of mind to have it sorted.

Anyway, after all my fretting , an appointment popped up in my local centre for next week!! I guess they're getting some cancellations as you can't attend if you've any possible symptoms etc.
Also, checking appointments on a computer was much easier than on my phone!!

Hi there,
OP, My 10 year paper licence is not due for renewal until October 2020, I still managed to get an online appointment in NDLS in Santry for next week.

Did you fill out the D401 and get your GP to complete the Driving Licence Medical report form, the G.P. has to stamp the form also

wonski · 24-07-2020 9:07pm

kravmaga wrote: »

Hi there,
OP, My 10 year paper licence is not due for renewal until October 202, I still managed to get an online appointment in NDLS in Santry for next week.

Did you fill out the D401 and get your GP to complete the Driving Licence Medical report form, the G.P. has to stamp the form also

I don't think the GP has to sign it unless you have one of the conditions or over certain age, no?

kravmaga · 24-07-2020 9:51pm

wonski wrote: »

I don't think the GP has to sign it unless you have one of the conditions or over certain age, no?

Nope Ive no conditions, Its part of the form, Im GROUP 1 AND 2 which includes c, d, e licences, Ive renewal for truck and bus also.

Thats the reason for the medical report, hopefully you have learned something

splinter65 · 24-07-2020 9:56pm

kravmaga wrote: »

Nope Ive no conditions, Its part of the form

Your GP didn’t need to sign anything in your case. That’s €20 you wasted.
Edited to add:
You did need to get a medical report because you’ve category C and D. People without those categories don’t need medical report.

wonski · 24-07-2020 10:33pm

kravmaga wrote: »

Nope Ive no conditions, Its part of the form, Im GROUP 1 AND 2 which includes c, d, e licences, Ive renewal for truck and bus also.

Thats the reason for the medical report, hopefully you have learned something

The op clearly posted no need for any supporting documentation so I safely assumed we were talking B license.

Thank you for the lesson

Daveq · 24-07-2020 10:43pm

I was in the same boat a few weeks ago, keep checking. I got an appointment in Athlone (I live in Dublin) for the following day. 3 days before my licence expired.

If you book an appointment you can't check the calendar again without cancelling your one, so get someone else in your family to check with their PPS no. If you have booked in

wonski wrote: »

You should and will be fine.

You are still licensed driver.

Incorrect. I checked. Your insurance is not valid as you're driving on an expired licence. Doesn't matter if it's 1 day, 1 week, or 1 year, it's not a "valid licence" as per your insurer requirements.

wonski · 24-07-2020 10:57pm

Daveq wrote: »

I was in the same boat a few weeks ago, keep checking. I got an appointment in Athlone (I live in Dublin) for the following day. 3 days before my licence expired.

If you book an appointment you can't check the calendar again without cancelling your one, so get someone else in your family to check with their PPS no. If you have booked in

Incorrect. I checked. Your insurance is not valid as you're driving on an expired licence. Doesn't matter if it's 1 day, 1 week, or 1 year, it's not a "valid licence" as per your insurer requirements.

Check again

I am insured. I hold a license. So does the op.

Please do not dramatise and do not make other people worried more than they should be.

Daveq · 25-07-2020 9:33am

wonski wrote: »

Check again

I am insured. I hold a license. So does the op.

Please do not dramatise and do not make other people worried more than they should be.

Ok, apologies if that is the case. They must be different, I called my insurance company and they told me I would not be, as I wouldn't hold a "current and valid driving licence" They said "out date is out of date." It's not dramatisation it's what I was told. Better safe than sorry!

wonski · 25-07-2020 12:50pm

Which insurance company was that Daveq?

I might avoid them in the future.

Del2005 · 25-07-2020 4:30pm

Daveq wrote: »

Ok, apologies if that is the case. They must be different, I called my insurance company and they told me I would not be, as I wouldn't hold a "current and valid driving licence" They said "out date is out of date." It's not dramatisation it's what I was told. Better safe than sorry!

It doesn't matter what a person in a call center said. Read your policy documents and unless it's changed recently they all say holds or held a valid licence for the policy to be valid.

obi604 · 27-07-2020 10:12am

araic88 wrote: »

Sorry if this has been answered before, I could only find NCT and learner permit info.
My licence will be out of date in a few weeks, and my local NDLS centre seems to be open but has no available appointments. That's actually the same for almost all the Centres I checked, aside from a few that may have availability in late August (mine expires mid August).

I don't need any supporting documents so I thought I could apply online, but you need a myGovId which I can't get as I don't have a public services card. . . Which aren't being issued currently. :pac:

Does anyone know if the licence dates will be extended again? They gave people 4 extra months if theirs was expiring from March-June, and they've added more time for learner permits, but no mention of the same for renewals.
I'd obviously like to have it sorted so I'm not worrying about being stopped. I am getting married two months after my licence expires though, so if they were offering extensions I could potentially renew with my married name when I've changed it, and save myself another errand ;-)

Hi all,

I am looking for the simplest way to do this, the simplest being I can take a photo on my smartphone without having to use a photo booth.

2 options:

1. go to your NDLS centre in person with a filled out form, do they take the picture for you or do you need to bring pictures?
2. renew online which for me means getting a public services card (PSC). it seems this way, they take your picture when you show up in person for the PSC

so either way, in my situation I have to travel
Can anyone tell me when you have all the documents sorted and apply online for the actual driving license - can you upload a photo from your phone or do you need a physical photo?

splinter65 · 27-07-2020 10:26am

obi604 wrote: »

Hi all,

I am looking for the simplest way to do this, the simplest being I can take a photo on my smartphone without having to use a photo booth.

2 options:

1. go to your NDLS centre in person with a filled out form, do they take the picture for you or do you need to bring pictures?
2. renew online which for me means getting a public services card (PSC). it seems this way, they take your picture when you show up in person for the PSC

so either way, in my situation I have to travel
Can anyone tell me when you have all the documents sorted and apply online for the actual driving license - can you upload a photo from your phone or do you need a physical photo?

Right now if you do not already have a PSC then the only option for you is to fill up the Drivers Licence application form, do the medical form (only certain applicants need a medical form), go online to NDLS, make an appointment for yourself at any NDLS office you like, and show up on the day with your expired/expiring licence and proof of PPSN/residence ( just in case it’s needed) and the money. They will take your photos there.

obi604 · 27-07-2020 10:30am

splinter65 wrote: »

Right now if you do not already have a PSC then the only option for you is to fill up the Drivers Licence application form, do the medical form (only certain applicants need a medical form), go online to NDLS, make an appointment for yourself at any NDLS office you like, and show up on the day with your expired/expiring licence and proof of PPSN/residence ( just in case it’s needed) and the money. They will take your photos there.

Thank you.
I dont have a PSC.

Are you sure that THEY (in the NDLS office) take the photos?

splinter65 · 27-07-2020 10:37am

obi604 wrote: »

ah ok, dont have a PSC.

Are you sure that THEY (in the NDLS office) take the photos?

100% positive. They won’t be accepting any photos that you take/offer to take.
You will be sitting in a booth having your application processed and you will be asked to swivel around in your chair and face a camera which will take 3 photos. You will be asked to pick 1 of the photos.

obi604 · 27-07-2020 10:45am

splinter65 wrote: »

100% positive. They won’t be accepting any photos that you take/offer to take.
You will be sitting in a booth having your application processed and you will be asked to swivel around in your chair and face a camera which will take 3 photos. You will be asked to pick 1 of the photos.

Thanks again.

Just booked an appointment with NDLS for 26th August. My license expired on the 13th April. but have 4 months grace with covid. and 26th August was the earliest one I could get.

I am just renewing an expired license, do I need a garda stamp?

splinter65 · 27-07-2020 10:51am

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks again.

Just booked an appointment with NDLS for 26th August. My license expired on the 13th April. but have 4 months grace with covid. and 26th August was the earliest one I could get.

I am just renewing an expired license, do I need a garda stamp?

No. You haven’t lost your licence or destroyed it?

obi604 · 27-07-2020 10:52am

splinter65 wrote: »

No. You haven’t lost your licence or destroyed it?

nope, just renewing an expired one

splinter65 · 27-07-2020 11:07am

obi604 wrote: »

nope, just renewing an expired one

You only need the Gardai if you’ve lost or destroyed your licence.

obi604 · 01-08-2020 10:04am

My license expired on 13th April. 4 months grace is 13th August.

However earliest appointment I could get with NDLS is 26th August. Will I be be ok/somewhat covered during the period 13th-26th August?

Blazer · 01-08-2020 10:09am

Just for clarification to renew an license you need an MyGov Id.
A basic account is sufficient to for this.
I had tried to renew my missus’s license which had expired and for some reason her GovId didn’t keep her account.
She already has a PSC card but the NDLS guy we spoke to confirmed that she just needed to create a basic MyGov account and that was good enough to renew her license.

whiterebel · 01-08-2020 11:40am

Blazer wrote: »

Just for clarification to renew an license you need an MyGov Id.
A basic account is sufficient to for this.
I had tried to renew my missus’s license which had expired and for some reason her GovId didn’t keep her account.
She already has a PSC card but the NDLS guy we spoke to confirmed that she just needed to create a basic MyGov account and that was good enough to renew her license.

To renew online you need those. If you go in to the office you don't. I don't understand why they are still allowed to insist on them for online when they have caused so much issue.

Atlantic Dawn · 01-08-2020 12:06pm

If you apply online and have the MyGovID what photo do they use for the new licence?

endacl · 01-08-2020 12:08pm

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

If you apply online and have the MyGovID what photo do they use for the new licence?

The one on the Public Services Card.

Atlantic Dawn · 01-08-2020 12:15pm

endacl wrote: »

The one on the Public Services Card.

Cool, will have to check if mine is still valid, think it is.

Dr_Colossus · 01-08-2020 4:40pm

obi604 wrote: »

My license expired on 13th April. 4 months grace is 13th August.

However earliest appointment I could get with NDLS is 26th August. Will I be be ok/somewhat covered during the period 13th-26th August?

On the NDSL site it shows a further 4 months extension so looks like we're grand.
"For permits expiring between 1 July and 31 October, 2020 (including those already extended), the validity period of those permits will be automatically extended for a further four month period."
Similarly mine expired in Mar, the first extension put that to Jul and now to Nov.
What do people use all there different ID cards for, what services do you get with the Public Services Card for instance. I don't have any so have to make a physical trip to NDSL centre which are all quite inconvenient and earliest slot I got that suited was Sep.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 02-08-2020 2:33am

morebarn wrote: »

My husband’s Licence expires early August and the closest appointment we could get to renew it was 26th August.

I mistakenly thought all Licences were extended by Four months; as my own had been.

I checked it on the phone with NDLS and they told me there would be no extension for him.
We have to wait until end of August.
I queried if having proof of appointment made would cover him if he was stopped with out of date Licence. They said NO. But that it would be up to the Garda or whoever looked for Licence to use their judgement. So, no luck for us I’m afraid!

They also stressed that if we had any accidents, claims etc in that time then our Insurance Company would consider us to be breaking the contract terms. That is, driving without an up to date Licence.

Totally our own fault I know!

That’s actually rubbish. The insurance companies only require to have held a licence for that class of vehicle within the last 5 years. You are still legally covered by insurance. Who ever in NDLS told you that just made it up to make themselves appear intelligent but most of them are little more than trained apes.

obi604 · 02-08-2020 8:12am

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

On the NDSL site it shows a further 4 months extension so looks like we're grand.
"For permits expiring between 1 July and 31 October, 2020 (including those already extended), the validity period of those permits will be automatically extended for a further four month period."
Similarly mine expired in Mar, the first extension put that to Jul and now to Nov.
What do people use all there different ID cards for, what services do you get with the Public Services Card for instance. I don't have any so have to make a physical trip to NDSL centre which are all quite inconvenient and earliest slot I got that suited was Sep.

I dont get you. I only see an automatic extension of 4 months for me (April 13th so August 13th).

Are you saying it’s an 8 month extension?

Orderofchaos · 02-08-2020 9:20am

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

On the NDSL site it shows a further 4 months extension so looks like we're grand.
"For permits expiring between 1 July and 31 October, 2020 (including those already extended), the validity period of those permits will be automatically extended for a further four month period."
Similarly mine expired in Mar, the first extension put that to Jul and now to Nov.
What do people use all there different ID cards for, what services do you get with the Public Services Card for instance. I don't have any so have to make a physical trip to NDSL centre which are all quite inconvenient and earliest slot I got that suited was Sep.

Are you sure that doesn't refer to Learner permits only. Can you provide a link please. The notice on NDSL is not very clear.

Cerco · 02-08-2020 4:31pm

Orderofchaos wrote: »

Are you sure that doesn't refer to Learner permits only. Can you provide a link please. The notice on NDSL is not very clear.

There is only one extension for driving licences. A four month extension from the expiry date of licences expiring between 1 March and 30 June.
Saying that there is no real sanction for a short delay in renewing.As said previously you remain insured once you have held a licence and not banned from driving or renewing your licence.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Extension of Driving Licences and Learner Permits

All Driving Licences that were due to expire on a date between 1 March and 30 June 2020 have been automatically extended by four months.

All Learner Permits that were due to expire between 1 March and 30 June 2020 have been automatically extended by four months. For permits expiring between 1 July and 31 October, 2020 (including those already extended), the validity period of those permits will be automatically extended for a further four month period.

Dr_Colossus · 02-08-2020 8:54pm

Orderofchaos wrote: »

Are you sure that doesn't refer to Learner permits only. Can you provide a link please. The notice on NDSL is not very clear.

Ah sorry is it learner permits only:
https://www.ndls.ie/booking-service.html
What's the logic there, why have more favorable extensions for learners but not qualified drivers.
I would have renewed mine in Mar if there weren't so many obstacles to the online process, as it is I'll wait until early Sep which was the earliest slop I could get that suited.

spoonerhead · 03-08-2020 1:51pm

I set up the mygov.ie account there and went to apply online. My provisional was due to expire 28/06 so I got a 4 month extension and it’s my first renew so it states I can apply online (Judging this thread I hope I’m right!). I just want to get it done now rather than wait, however when I went to apply online it gave me and error saying I’m not 3 months from expiry. I’m guessing the system wasn’t updated and doesn’t know, but this is extremely silly if I’ve now to present myself at a centre given the guidelines we have around Covid. I logged a query with them so hopefully they get back to me, just seems so bizarre!

wonski · 03-08-2020 2:16pm

Your licence is extended by another 4 months automatically so you won't have to renew until February I think.

That's why it won't let you renew online.

wonski · 03-08-2020 2:18pm

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Ah sorry is it learner permits only:
https://www.ndls.ie/booking-service.html
What's the logic there, why have more favorable extensions for learners but not qualified drivers.
I would have renewed mine in Mar if there weren't so many obstacles to the online process, as it is I'll wait until early Sep which was the earliest slop I could get that suited.

The reason is some can't be renewed unless applied for a test and with tests and everything else cancelled holders of permit could risk losing it completely.

Driving License holders have no additional conditions to renew so there was no reason to extend it again.

thelad95 · 03-08-2020 2:24pm

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

What a load of balls, why the need for all these different state IDs and cards? My license is expired and like the OP don't have all these secondary requirements to renew online so will have to take time off and visit the NDLS centre.

I renewed my passport last year online and it was the simplest and quickest process imaginable, was really surprised how efficient the whole thing was and had my new passport by post 3 days later. Why can't they do similar for a drivers license.

The old paper licenses that were processed in tax offices were subject to widespread fraud so the system had to be overhauled which is fair enough but as many horror stories attest, the whole NDLS system has become embroiled in ridiculous amounts of red tape. Trying to negotiate their website to find what documents you need to just renew a bloody driving license or change a detail like an address is a massive headache.

In the times we live in, I don't know how they can justify people having to travel for a face to face appointment of any sorts. As you illustrated above, it's amazing how simple and efficient it is to renew a passport online yet you have to have multiple proofs and sit down face to face with a minimum wage worker for up to 20 minutes to renew a driving license.

obi604 · 04-08-2020 4:31pm

obi604 wrote: »

My license expired on 13th April. 4 months grace is 13th August.

However earliest appointment I could get with NDLS is 26th August. Will I be be ok/somewhat covered during the period 13th-26th August?

high level, should I be ok here?

thelad95 · 04-08-2020 4:45pm

obi604 wrote: »

high level, should I be ok here?

I don't think anyone can really advise as to what a Garda at a checkpoint would do or how your insurance company would view it.

What you could do is show up to an NDLS centre, I think they have a high rate of no show appointments, so next available slot, you can just go up instead.

splinter65 · 04-08-2020 5:45pm

thelad95 wrote: »

I don't think anyone can really advise as to what a Garda at a checkpoint would do or how your insurance company would view it.

What you could do is show up to an NDLS centre, I think they have a high rate of no show appointments, so next available slot, you can just go up instead.

It’s appointment only at the moment. No one is allowed in unless you have a time slot. Plus you can only come 5 minutes before your due.

obi604 · 04-08-2020 7:24pm

splinter65 wrote: »

It’s appointment only at the moment. No one is allowed in unless you have a time slot. Plus you can only come 5 minutes before your due.

Yeah. This. 26th August is the earliest one I cloud get, had to find a free slot and then make an appointment etc

I can’t do it online as don’t have a public services card........and in order to get this card I need to go an intreo office......I mailed them and they not taking in person appointments yet.

Cerco · 04-08-2020 8:52pm

thelad95 wrote: »

I don't think anyone can really advise how your insurance company would view it.

Just read your policy documents.

What you could do is show up to an NDLS centre, I think they have a high rate of no show appointments, so next available slot, you can just go up instead.

Better to look on_line for available slots.

wonski · 04-08-2020 11:17pm

I wouldn't worry about insurance or even Gardai, that's two weeks out of date and they know the situation.

However if you need car rental or an ID for loan application etc this will very likely be refused as ID.

My gocar account is suspended now until I upload new document, my loan has been in situ (approved in principle) for days as I cannot provide them with up to date driving license.

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

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