State Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Delran) is calling for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to reopen for all transactions, in a sign that politicians of both parties are growing frustrated with the state’s lagging bureaucracy.

“While I appreciate that staffing shortages and tremendous backlogs stemming from the shutdown led to the initial decision to bifurcate the agencies into two distinct categories – licensing centers and vehicle centers – I am hopeful that the increased availability of vaccines and the reopening of our schools for in-person learning will lead to a more stabilized workforce,” Singleton said in a statement. “Therefore, I strongly urge the NJ MVC to consider reopening its agencies for all transactions.”

The MVC declined to comment for this article.

On Tuesday, NJ.com reported that there are no appointments across the entire state available to apply for a learner’s permit or take a written driver’s test. The MVC has attempted to resolve some of its problems by sending mobile units around the state, a move which Singleton said he supported while still insisting the MVC needed to do more.

“This effort is greatly appreciated, but reopening vehicle centers to offer Real IDs, new licenses, and testing appointments is needed to truly accommodate and service our drivers,” he said.

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