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'DMV is not giving license for some of the simplest of things'- Mechanic

- Motorists asking for more leniency from DMV regarding inspection
About two months after Hurricane Irma ripped through the Virgin Islands, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspended the issuing of new drivers' licenses. Photo: VINO/File
Owners of hurricane damaged vehicles are asking the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be more lenient as they are trying to get their vehicles fixed before inspection. Photo: VINO/File
Owners of hurricane damaged vehicles are asking the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be more lenient as they are trying to get their vehicles fixed before inspection. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Kye M. Rymer, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is only giving leniency for damaged windshields, lights and bodily damages. Photo: VINO
Mr Kye M. Rymer, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is only giving leniency for damaged windshields, lights and bodily damages. Photo: VINO
POCKWOOD POND, Tortola, VI – Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Kye M. Rymer announced via the Government Information Services (GIS), the suspension of issuing new drivers’ licenses until the roads were in better condition.

The majority of the vehicles, including heavy equipment and rentals, were damaged while road infrastructure were totally destroyed.

Since then, no new drivers’ licenses have been issued but as of recent the Department of Motor Vehicles via GIS announced the dates for overseas road tests, learner driver road tests and cone tests.

The announcement came on January 29, 2018.

Meanwhile, motorists are still asking for more leniency to get their vehicles fixed.

DMV should give a lot more leniency for hurricane damaged vehicles- Motorists

Speaking to motorists, whose vehicles were seen with plastic coverings and even no form of covering at all, they shared the same sentiments- that DMV should give more leniency for hurricane damaged vehicles.

Carlos H. Hernandez, a mechanic, stated that his customers are often times complaining that DMV is not passing their licensing inspection.

Furthermore, some of his customers are not able to license their vehicles before it is expired due to long wait for parts to arrive in the territory.

“I try my best to order parts on express but sometimes they take a long time to arrive and even with the inspection, DMV is not giving license for some of the simplest of things,” expressed Mr Hernadez.

“I have to go for inspection in two months and I am still trying to get my vehicle up to standard in order to pass. I had to wait for about two months after Irma to begin repairing my vehicle,” said Donna A. Wilson.

Mr Rymer had said in GIS press release on November 30, 2017, “Leniency for damaged glasses except windshields, lights and bodily damages are given. Once customers present a valid insurance certificate, the vehicle is inspected and then licensed. If inspection fails, an inspection checklist form is given, indicating the defects.” Customers are also given the opportunity to have the defects corrected for re-inspection.

Our newsroom sought a comment from the DMV Commissioner but he told this newsroom that he was unable to speak with us at the time.

20 Responses to “'DMV is not giving license for some of the simplest of things'- Mechanic”

  • Not2Sure (05/02/2018, 20:04) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just hope is is not bias in how he carried this out!
  • wize up (05/02/2018, 20:41) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    what does someone seeking to acquire a lisence to drive legal have to do with the road conditions:
    The other fellow wants to crush peoples bikes: I am simply asking a question just a question
  • understanding (05/02/2018, 21:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is my understanding that this matter is bigger than Mr. Rhymer it seems to lie with the minister of communications and works. That's the man to have a conversion with along with the police commissioner.

    Truth be told too much pressure. There were a number of persons who was at a meeting with the minister and truth be told I believe what was said to us was only hot air. When we put the words to the test it was bare frustration and it continues to be frustration. I would really like to know who is the boss and who has the final say in this matter.

    Irma didn't teach us the humanitarian side of this hurricane. It seems like it was design to kill the people of the territory with stress and pressure. Before we get better we are getting worst.

    The minister need to help the public to understand and educate us on this matter. Too many conflicting messages to the public.

    Safety comes first by my God too much pressure. None of us want to see or hear of Irma again
    • BUSY BEE (06/02/2018, 09:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      What Minister of Communications & Works? Show me evidence that we have someone in charge & with the best interests of the territory at heart (Okay, so a road in the 4th district was repaved... What a surprise!).
  • Local (05/02/2018, 22:39) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Respect the law.the law has certain stipulations
  • Say what now? (05/02/2018, 22:46) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Rhymer, are you serious? Seems like someone is running your ship. Help me to understand what does road conditions have to do with issueing licenses. Just asking.
  • one eye (05/02/2018, 23:32) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Kyle is a good youth I do not care what a man say!
  • Bigman (06/02/2018, 06:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yo Mr Rhymer uno ah do a good job safety come first nabador with them people man, standard is standard if ah fi me brother cum to uno nah bother draw no string play yo card staright,,respect people life, them want to drive on the road with plastic windshield and when the rain come down them can't see ah thing pon the road but them want to licence them car.let them go hold a corner.
  • do your job (06/02/2018, 06:52) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr Rymer I support you 100% half of them come with cheap cars and refusing to do the right thing and want you to turn a blind eye to the nonsense and when you get in problem they are the same one who have a mouthful to say. Keep up the good work even me if you have to refuse me I still support you.
  • Just saying (06/02/2018, 07:17) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Safety comes first! Next thing somebody get in accident and then ya all people going blame DMV for licensing the vehicle. Let the man do his job. He fully qualified to know which vehicles can pass inspection or not. I am happy to know that we can depend on DMV to keep us safe and stop these dilapidated vehicles from being on the road until they get fixed. Real talk!
  • retired (06/02/2018, 08:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would be encouraging to see that all the BVI government vehicles(Suv, trucks, backhoes, etc.) on the road in Tortola are repaired and roadworthy. It is discouraging for a personal vehicle to fail inspection because of a broken rear light when a DPW truck drives by with NO rear lights!
  • Online Now (06/02/2018, 09:22) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. If your vehicle is dangerous, keep it off the road. If it has no lights, keep it off the road until it is fixed.
  • suggestion (06/02/2018, 10:01) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    How about DMV offer a 3 month extension sticker.

    Its true the mechanics, persons and ports are having a hard time importing parts needed.
    Nonetheless, people have places to go.

    The extension ticket, valid from date of issue, could cost the same amount of money as licensing the vehicle for the whole year. The government makes money and the people are happy.
    That way, DMV doesn't compromise its rules for licensing vehicles and persons are allowed to buy time to get their car fixed.


  • Why does it matter? (06/02/2018, 11:46) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    People will drive regardless. There is no enforcement. Why bother with DMV at all?
    • Online Now (06/02/2018, 15:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is the most correct comment. We can all say whatever we want, DMV can refuse to licence all they want. BUT those same people will continue to ignore laws, rules and regulations as they always have and drive un-roadworthy and uninsured vehicles anyway. They don't care that they are dangering their and everyone else's lives.
  • Crazy place (06/02/2018, 11:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don’t forget Rhymer have a boss to even tho he does act like one ..... y’all got mark out rolling like he some Don .... keep it up BVI
    • TT minister (06/02/2018, 12:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      every dog has his day, the rope has an end!! Don ok leave he to GOD
  • blogger (06/02/2018, 14:45) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is ridiculous .There is a young man at DMV he is very ridiculous . He sends people back for inside mirror. He is always posing in a dark shade like he is some kind of mafia or gangster. They license only their friends cars.
  • Not all bad (06/02/2018, 15:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think that the allowances are reasonable. I was approved for licensing with minimal issues. They have to do their jobs to keep the public safe. Some folks are given an inch and want a whole mile. I also agree with the suggestion of the issuance of a temporary sticker.


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