The Department of Driver Services says the methods it has put in place to address long wait times at DDS facilities around metro Atlanta appears to be working.

Staff was moved around to facilities with the longest waits and additional documentation has been allowed to prove identification such as a tax document rather that an original social security card.

The department says the average wait time has dropped 19 minutes since last week to one hour and 48 minutes.

WSB’s Sandra Parrish spoke with House Speaker David Ralston during a statewide tour by House leaders on Wednesday. 

He points out that it is the federal government and not the state that is behind the new requirements.

“I think the department probably could have been a little better prepared for July 1 but having said that, I think they have adapted quickly… they have worked to solve the problem,” says Ralston.

He also says he regrets the inconvenience that some Georgians experienced last week.