DVLA launches computer-based theory driving test
The acting Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Rudolph Beckley, has signaled a new direction to ensure safety and discipline on the country’s roads.
He was speaking at a ceremony to launch the computer based theory driving test (CBTDT) in Kumasi to replace the paper based system currently operating in Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and the Upper West Regions.
The CBTDT is meant to limit human meddling and reduce cost.
The new system has been in operation in the southern part of the country since April 2, 2012.
Mr Beckley highlighted its advantages, citing among these, consistency and reliability in the administration of the test, as it ensures the same platform for assessing the competencies of drivers irrespective of the region, availability of immediate scores, accuracy of score reporting and the opportunity to collect far more information than the test results.
He said best practices would be upheld to make sure that only knowledgeable, skillful and competent people are issued with licenses.
He noted that the use of the computer platform “is not to deny anyone the opportunity to apply and obtain a driving license. It is to ensure that only drivers with proven competencies and skills are allowed to drive on Ghana’s roads.”
Baffour Ossei Hyeaman Brentuo IV, Manwerehere, said he finds the innovations being introduced into the operations of the DVLA refreshing, noting that, the setting up of the private vehicle test stations for example, is not only helping to make sure that vehicles that renew their roadworthy certificates are not just inspected visually but tested mechanically.
He urged the authority to tackle head-on the nuisance of middlemen, often referred to as “goro-boys”, who cheat and in some cases fake DVLA documents for unsuspecting customers.
Chief Superintendent Hlordzi Dodzi, Ashanti Regional Commander of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), said they are determined to enforce law and order to stop the carnage on the roads.
He announced that court fines imposed on offending drivers in the region during the first half of the year, amounted to GH¢62,000.00.
He, however, did not provide details on the total number of erring drivers arrested.
Source: GNA