19Driver licences

19 Driver licences

S. 19(1) amended by Nos 5/2016 s. 36(Sch. 1 item 3(a)), 49/2019 s. 116(Sch. 1 item 37(a)).

(1) The Secretary may, on the application of a person over the age of 18 years, grant a driver licence if the Secretary is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to hold a driver licence.

S. 19(2) amended by Nos 5/2016 s. 36(Sch. 1 item 3(b)), 49/2019 s. 116(Sch. 1 item 37(b)).

(2) The Secretary may, before granting a driver licence, require the applicant—

S. 19(2)(a) amended by Nos 5/2016 s. 37(Sch. 2 item 1), 49/2019 s. 101(1).

(a) to pass any appropriate tests or assessments and to undergo any appropriate training; and

(b) to comply with any prescribed procedures and requirements; and

(c) to have any prescribed qualification.

S. 19(2A) inserted by No. 74/2007 s. 5.

(2A) Without limiting subsection (2)(b), a regulation for the purposes of that paragraph may provide for different procedures or requirements depending on a person's age, experience or any other factor.

S. 19(3) amended by No. 5/2016 s. 36(Sch. 1 item 3(c)).

(3) A driver licence authorises a person to drive on a highway any categories of motor vehicle indicated in the licence for the term, and subject to any conditions, specified in the licence.

S. 19(3A) inserted by No. 110/2004 s. 23(1), amended by No. 49/2019 s. 116(Sch. 1 item 37(c)).

(3A) Without limiting the generality of subsections (1) and (3), in exercising the Secretary's discretion under this section, the Secretary may grant people of or over 75 years of age driver licences for shorter terms than the terms that usually apply to people who are less than 75 years of age.

S. 19(4) amended by No. 5/2016 s. 36(Sch. 1 item 3(d)).

(4) A driver licence may be applied for, granted, renewed or refused only in accordance with the regulations.

S. 19(4A) inserted by No. 5/2016 s. 21, amended by No. 49/2019 s. 116(Sch. 1 item 37(d)).

(4A) Without limiting any power the Secretary has under the regulations to renew a driver licence and subject to sections 19A and 19B, the Secretary may renew a driver licence held by a person who is 75 years of age or over for a shorter term than the term that usually applies to a person who is less than 75 years of age.

S. 19(5) inserted by No. 89/1991 s. 5(1), amended by Nos 41/2020 s. 34(1), 46/2024 s. 28(1).

(5) Subject to subsection (6), a person who holds a driver licence must have the driver licence document in the person's possession at all times while driving or in charge of a heavy vehicle or bus.

Penalty applying to this subsection: 5 penalty units.