The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that it is on the verge of introducing a voice technology into its computer-based testing regime for drivers.
This voice technology computer-based testing regime which is expected to be rolled before the end of the year 2020, will be in six languages namely Ga, Akan, Ewe, Hausa, Dagbani and Nzema.
It is expected to make the testing regime very convenient and simple for all driver across the country, especially, those who cannot use the computer-based writing testing regime is conducted in the Queen’s Language.
This novelty was revealed by the Chief Executive of the DVLA, Kwasi Agyeman Busia, when addressing stakeholders in the transport industry at the commissioning of a DVLA office in Takoradi on Thursday, October 1, 2020.
“We are now on the verge with voice technology introduction in our computer-based testing regime. This voice over IT introduction, is in six languages – Ga, Akan, Ewe, Dagbani, Hausa and Nzema, making it convenient and simple for all drivers. We are strategically transforming ourselves from the old to a technology-driven outfit”, he noted.
The introduction of the voice technology computer-based testing regime follows the identification of numerous challenges including drivers who cannot speak and write English or even use a computer mouse but could express themselves in the local language when asked to do so.
The Authority, he added, has also sets its sights on leveraging data with other institutions for value addition and information sharing and are ready to deploy mobile applications for all key services, especially, in a COVID-19 pandemic era.
“We are collaborating with other government entities such as the National Identification Authority (NIA), for credentials in person by the Ghana Card; National Insurance Commission for Vehicle Owner insurance authentication; with the National Road Safety Authority for road safety educational awareness; and with law enforcement for compliance, security and safety. This is the path to trade the vehicle eco system with digitization and technology”, he emphasized.
Mr. Busia commenting on the Takoradi DVLA edifice said it “is one of the 29 soon to be 32 offices and over 20 additional sub-by offices with 27 vehicle testing stations, soon to be 31 in operation across the country. This translates into approximately 92 DVLA service related outfits in the country. “Our goal is to relentlessly, make our services accessible to all regardless of wherever a vehicle or a driver may be in the country.”
“The inauguration of this office, joins the catalogue of infrastructure improvement and innovations that we have introduced in recent times. We will continue to find new ways to optimize our services and be consistent with our persistent strategic theme of leveraging, people process and technology”, he added.
Mr. Busia further revealed that the Commission has planned to outdoor additional three new offices before the end of the year in Axim, Effiduase and Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.
