Hearing impaired to get 3-year driver’s permit

Driving permits for all hearing-impaired persons can now be renewed every three years.

The Disability Affairs Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister (Social Services Delivery) yesterday said the Transport Commissioner Nathaniel Douglas advised them of this development. The service, however, does not automatically apply to all hearing-impaired persons. Douglas has said that permits will be granted on a case-by-case basis. To get a new permit, applicants must obtain a recommendation from the Diagnostic Research Educational Therapeutic Centre for Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI) certifying that the hearing device/hearing aid is in good working condition. They must complete application Form 4, which must be presented along with the recommendation and $200 renewal fee at any Licensing Office to an officer no lower than Automotive Licensing Officer I between the hours of 8 am to 3 pm. Applicants can be renewed at the main Licensing Offices of the Transport Division.