23 February 2000
DRIVERS CAUSING DELAYS WITH LICENCE APPLICATIONS
Some Northern Ireland drivers are causing delays in having their licence applications processed because they are not supplying the correct documents.
This was revealed today by Brendan Magee, Chief Executive of new DOE's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI). Mr Magee commented, "There seems to be some confusion among motorists about the requirements for verifying their identity. Since 1 April 1999 all driving licence applicants must confirm their identity before we can issue one of the new photocard driving licences.
"Unfortunately we are having to return around 50% of all applications received because they do not comply with the new regulations. This causes inconvenience for the applicant and an increased workload for my office. Part of the confusion may arise with renewals where the applicant may feel they have already proved their identity. This is not the case and all applicants need to comply with the new requirements."
Full details of the new identity checking requirements, which are designed to combat driving licence fraud, are contained on the application form. Identity checking means;
- having the photograph authenticated by a counter signatory such as a doctor, minister, priest, police constable etc.
- the provision of a passport, birth or marriage certificate to establish identity.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- An EU Directive requires all member states to have the photograph of the driver on the licence, as opposed to being on a plastic card, which accompanied the licence. This was the case previously in Northern Ireland.
- The Directive also requires member states to take action to prevent driving licence fraud, so all drivers applying for one of the new licences now need to prove their identity and have their photographs countersigned, as for a passport application.
- The requirements apply to both Provisional and full licence applications.
- For more information please contact Philip Maguire DOE Press Office on Belfast 540013.