The return of a full complement of staff by this week is expected to improve the flow of licensing procedures, Cook Islands Police said in a statement.

Last week Cook Islands Police Service asked for continued patience as the delivery of cards for driver’s licenses experienced a prolonged delay.

“The paper licenses are being issued while the new stock is awaited, in at least another two weeks,” the statement said.

The Licensing Office also reminded drivers that testing commences at 9am Monday to Friday, with practicals concluding by 1pm. 

“The processing of the licenses needs to start wrapping up from 1pm and the Office will close at 2pm due to the time required to reconcile the payments and deposit the daily intake by 3pm.”

It was earlier reported that Cook Islands Police issues more than 500 visitor driver licences each month and more than 400 for residents.

The Police Licencing Office has been issuing paper licences temporarily due to the depletion of card stock.

Cook Islands Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt earlier said this has been an ongoing problem, with the supply of cards and colour print ribbon running out every few months.