Two separate sets of statistics are available on Irish vehicles. These are licensing and registration statistics.
Licensing statistics refer to the number of vehicles legally allowed to drive on Irish roads (i.e. vehicles for which motor tax has been paid). These are divided into two categories: vehicles under current licence and vehicles licensed for the first time.
Statistics on vehicles licensed for the first time are compiled monthly by the CSO. The CSO bases these statistics on data supplied by the driver and vehicle computer services division of the Department of Transport.
Registration statistics refer to the number of vehicles registered for the first time (i.e. the number of licence plates issued). Registration statistics differ from licensing statistics in that not all vehicles registered need be licensed (for example tractors used exclusively on private land). Also, vehicles are not necessarily registered and licensed in the same month. Registration precedes licensing and this can lead to a time lag effect.
Statistics on vehicles under current licence are sourced from the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF). The NVDF is administered by the Department of Transport.
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