Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)

Establishment of DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) was established in 1999 by an Act of Parliament (Act 569). It was to replace Vehicle Examination and Licensing Division (VELD). By the Act, DVLA was to provide the legal and administrative framework for an enhanced and more effective agency to regulate the activities of road users.

It is an agency which falls under the Ministry of Transportation and generally responsible for the Licensing of Drivers and Certification of Vehicles. Its stakeholders include the MTTU of the Police Service, Transport Unions, National Road Safety Commission and Motoring public.

DVLA provides a range of licensing, testing services with the aim of improving safety on our roads.

Mandate

By the Act, that established the Authority, DVLA’s mandate is to promote good driving standards in the country and ensure the use of roadworthy vehicles on the roads and other public places.

Functions of the Authority

Act 569, spells out the functions of the Authority. They include:

1. Establish standards and methods for the training and testing of driver instructors and drivers of motor vehicles and riders of motor cycles

2. Establish standards and methods for the training and testing of vehicle examiners

3. Provide syllabi for Driver Training and the training of Driving Instructors.

4. Issue Driving licenses

5. Register and license driving schools

6. Inspect test and register motor vehicles

7. Issue vehicle registration certificates

8. Maintain registers containing particulars of licensed motor vehicles, driving instructors and drivers of motor vehicles.

Office Location – Regional /District

TAKEOVER OF DVLA

During this period, DVLA was provided with the capacity to operate. The Authority also started taken over the offices that were being used by the police. The Authority started the restructuring process and also received financial assistance from DANIDA to help the re-structuring process.

In the year 2000, a computerized driver license was introduced to replace the old hard cover license to capture accurate data. Eye test was also introduced in 2000. The introduction of Eye Test as a means of testing applicant's sight was in accordance with LI 953, 15(I)

MAJOR CHANGES SINCE 1999

Revised syllabus for driver instructors.

Introduced learner syllabus

Regularized the use of ‘L' Plates, ‘DP' Plates and ‘DV' Plates

Improved service delivery by reducing significantly downtime for end users through streamlining its procedures,

Setting up client service unit at Accra Office,

Improved its record management system for quick retrieval of files

For transfers,

Collaboration with TTB for efficient cash collection system.

The Authority introduced complementary services to improve their service delivery. These services were introduced to reduce the inconvenience customers go through when they have to submit other reports as part of requirement.

These are :

a) Head Lamp Repair Services: DVLA engaged the services of a private company, S-Class Services to operate on its premises to adjust or repair headlamps which fail the headlamp test. Currently S-Class Services is at 17 stations.

b) Issuance of Driver License

Qualified optometrists were engaged to set up their Eye Test Centers at the major DVLA offices to conduct eye test. The idea was to reduce the inconveniences customers go through by visiting the hospitals for eye test before continuing the process of renewal or acquisition of license.

c) Client Service Unit (CSU)

The Authority collaborated with Public Sector Reform Ministry (PSR) to establish a Client Services Unit. The main objective is to improve service delivery and become more efficient. The CSU facility makes the Authority more clients focused. The CSU provides information for all customers who may need one. They also have DVLA charters for all customers.

Our personnel at CSU have been given the requisite training in customer care so as to be professional in her approach to both business and the public at large.

e) On Site Bank

The need for the on-site banking was necessitated as a result of apparent manual system of cash collection where a customer has to make more than one payment for every service. With the establishment of the bank, customers make a one-go payment itemizing services required and reducing time spent at DVLA premises.

The banking hall has been designed to provide comfort and conducive environment for both the customer and the staff.

Services Offered By DVLA

DVLA offers services associated with Driver Licenses and Vehicles Inspection and Registration.

FOR VEHICLES

a. Vehicle Inspection for Roadworthy Certificate for all types of vehicles

b. Registration of new vehicles (regional offices)

c. Change of Ownership for vehicles and motor cycles (regional offices)

d. Change of Use (i.e. private to commercial) - (regional offices)

e. Physical Conversion (i.e. from Van to passenger bus) – regional offices

f. Accident Reports

g. Vehicle Lay-off

h. International Vehicle Permit (Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, Bolga)

FOR DRIVER LICENSE

a. Issuance of Learner License

b. Issuance of Driver License

c. Renewal of Driver License