Endorsements • to Iasi longer
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DRIVING LICENCE endorsements will last longer and so will the licences though they will cost more as the result of two Orders, one made and one proposed by the Minister for Transport.
The Road Traffic Act 1974 (Commencement No 6) Order brings into effect two more of the provisions of the 1974 Act. The first makes driving licences issued after next January valid till the holder's 70th birthday and it may be renewed at threeyearly intervals after that.
Drivers with a disability, however, may be issued with one, two or three-year licences and licence holders will have to advise the Licensing Centre of a worsening in the condition of their disability.
From October 1, endorsements will be removed only after four years instead of three as at present as the result of the Order. Drink and driver convictions will last for 11 years instead of the present 10. The change is intended to prevent concealment of past convictions by obtaining a new licence before any court hearing which might be pending.
The period during which a ,conviction will count for "totting-up" remains at three years.
Under an amendment to the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1971 at present before Parliament, drivers will pay a once-only fee of E5 for the new-style licence to be issued in January. This will also apply to drivers who have a disability-limited licence. Drivers over 65 who renew a full driving licence during the three-year transition period will pay a once-only fee of El. Others who have to have licences with reduced entitlement or period of validity on medical grounds will not have to pay for the exchange licence.