I agree with you Wildbore, my take on it is that it is an attempt to make the process longer to get the liscence and possibly lose interest. I understand that it takes time to process the application, but having the whole process take 2 months if all goes well from the time you pass the tests is a bit much.
IMO the added delay may make new shooters a bit unfamiliar with the things learned in class if they can't use the information for two months after passing the course. The best way to retain knowledge is by doing what you learned, not learn, wait two months and then do what you remember of what you learned.
I wonder what the car insurance rates would be if you had to wait two months or more without driving after you passed your drivers liscence test???
Cactus