(1) Where an application is duly made for an Irish driving licence, the licensing authority shall grant the licence unless it appears to them-

(a) that the applicant is disqualified for applying for the licence, or

(b) that, having regard to the particulars contained in the application, the applicant has not a satisfactory knowledge of the Rules of the Road.

(2) Subject to this Part and any regulations under it, an Irish driving licence shall be granted for a period of 12 months or such longer period as may be prescribed beginning on-

(a) in case the licence is granted during a period during which an Irish driving licence previously granted to the applicant remains unexpired-the day following the expiration of the driving licence previously granted, and

(b) in any other case the day on which the licence is granted.