Due to the government's restrictive measures in relation to COVID-19, the options for renewing a driving license are considerably limited. Particularly as a result of the practically complete cessation of examinations by doctors and specialists, some people are confronted with an expired driving license. 

Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen leaves the Second Room know that this problem was discussed with the Dutch Association of Insurers. She hereby informs the House about the temporary measure that has been taken to prevent people from getting in a pinch. This temporary solution was developed in consultation with the Minister of Justice and Security.

There is a leniency for all driving license holders whose driving license has expired or expired in the period from March 16 to June 1, 2020. This means that this group of license holders in the Netherlands can continue to drive with an expired license until June 1, 2020. This also applies to EU nationals residing in the Netherlands with an expired driving license from another Member State. An expired driving license cannot be used as an identifier, with the exception of situations where care is taken.

People with an expired driving license whose validity is less than five years are excluded from this leniency because of the risks to road safety. This concerns people who have to undergo a medical examination every year or every three years because of a medical condition. Nor does the extension apply to driving licenses for which administrative or criminal measures have been taken, such as a recovery or suspension of validity.

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insurers support leniency measures

The members of the Dutch Association of Insurers support the leniency measure requested by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. This means that people with an expired driving license will remain insured during the period that the leniency measure is in force and within the outlined conditions of the leniency measure, in particular that the expiry of the driving license must be a direct result of the corona crisis and therefore not necessarily pre-dates government action on March 16, 2020.

“My efforts are aimed at preventing people in that situation from getting squeezed and ensuring that everyone has a reasonable period of time to take the necessary follow-up actions. If, after an additional extension by a number of months, this form of courtesy proves necessary, the need will be considered to formally embed it in laws and regulations. Preparations for this have already begun. ”Said the Minister in her letter to the House of Representatives.

An extension may be necessary later. That cannot be anticipated yet. This depends on the measures related to the approach to COVID-19, in combination with the possibilities to provide (again) services, such as medical examinations.

Also read: Temporary renewal of driving license for people over 75

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