The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The NDLS is structured with a central unit in the RSA and three outsourced contractors. These are: a card producer for the plastic card licence; a front office to engage with the public; and a back office to process applications. There were problems with the speed of processing applications in the NDLS when the system came on stream last October. Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits.
The RSA responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff. There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service. A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been operating in a Pilot Phase which was successful. This system is now being extended on a phased basis to all NDLS offices.
While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved. I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a shorter timeframe than previously and work is continuing to achieve a ten day turnaround by the end of February and a five to eight day turnaround by the end of March. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog largely has been cleared.
Where a medical certification of fitness to drive is required with a driving licence application, the law requires that the certification is by a registered medical practitioner. There are no provisions requiring that the person signing the form should be from a medical practitioner of a particular specialty. The law on medical fitness to drive - which is set at EU level - is clear on what is required. In addition, I gather that the Irish College of General Practitioners issues guidelines to assist GPs in making decisions on fitness to drive.
I have no plans to change this system.
