Plastic card driving licences in 2013

The new plastic card driving licence will be introduced here early in the new year, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar confirmed yesterday.

The licence will be introduced from Jan 19, with all driving licences and learner permits issued in the plastic card format, replacing the current paper licences.

This is an EU initiative to introduce a secure, compact style of licence in all member states. The European legislation includes an option to feature the driver’s address on the licence but the Department of Transport opted not to do this for security and logistical reasons.