We have secured instant licence printing machines - DVLA Boss

The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has said that when he assumed office, there were two critical interventions they had to undertake.

He said the Authority faced a significant backlog of unprinted driver’s licence applications, some dating back to 2023.

They therefore immediately introduced a 24-hour printing scheme at the Print Farm and, by the end of 2025, printed more than 440,000 licence applications.

Further, he said, they have secured instant licence printing machines to begin the printing of driver licences instantly for those whose records have been with DVLA for at least 6 years and needs replacement.

"There is no reason why we cannot provide such applicants with instant services. This does not in any way compromise the licence processing protocols. For those seeking new licences, they will be required to go through the full process before the licences are printed.

"The reform is to ensure that persons applying to replace their drivers’ licences would have their licences printed instantly thereby preventing situations of backlogs," he said during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 12.

Julius Neequaye Kotey further said that in order to enhance the driver licence testing regime, we are far advanced in introducing a simulator testing system.

This system would test prospective applicants for a driver’s licence in a virtual environment and determine their responsiveness to all the road-related scenarios that would be presented.

"This system, we believe, will serve a bigger purpose in today’s driving ecosystem where vehicles are being modernised and where road activities keep increasing," he said.

He further reported that the DVLA has introduced six local languages into its Computer-Based Test (CBT) platform to assist applicants who cannot read or write in English.

He explained that the translation software allows applicants to take the mandatory driving theory test in Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Nzema and Hausa.

"This initiative is intended to reduce language barriers and help applicants demonstrate their knowledge of road signs, traffic regulations and safe driving practices. We are working on increasing the number of local languages in this regard," he said.

He also said that they have also introduced an SMS notification system that prompt licence holders of their renewal dates or replacement dates.

"This is done a month before expiry, and then the last message sent two weeks before the date of expiry. For every customer whose mobile number was used during the licence application has not been changed, they must be qualified to receive such notifications.

"Work is currently ongoing to deploy a similar system for vehicle roadworthy renewal services as well. We will soon prompt clients on their due dates for roadworthy renewals.

"We are also introducing an Electronic Library system which would allow clients who walk into our offices to take some time to watch driver-refresher and safety videos that enhances their driving skills on the roads.

"Further, work is almost concluded to deploy a queue management system at our various offices. This queue management platform would ensure that we ease congestion in our offices while responding to service requests in time."