Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
629. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average waiting time for the processing of driving licence renewals; the legal position of drivers who are not in possession of a current licence as a result of these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14945/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing of driving licence applications is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS).
There were delays in the early days of the NDLS as a result of a number of issues. While these have now been largely dealt with, a large backlog had built up, and the NDLS has been engaged in reducing this over time. I understand from the RSA that the worst of the delays referred to is over, and that licence applications which are in order are being processed in eight to 13 days. The RSA informs me that this will reduce to a five to eight day period this month.
People who, as a result of delays, do not have a licence which they can produce, are permitted to drive while their licence renewal is in process. The RSA informs me that it is considering whether to return old licences to applicants, once their validity has been established as part of the renewal process.
In the meantime, it is a matter for members of An Garda Síochána to exercise discretion when requesting a driver to produce a licence, given the widespread realisation that there have been delays in the licensing system.
