A GUIDE OF THE

The time is now for the transformation and modernization of the Licensing Division through the use of modern technology. With the introduction of the Demerit Points System, a Red-Light Camera Enforcement System and a new Traffic Ticketing System, the Licensing Division required ground-breaking transformation of its business processes and services, to improve its efficiency to meet growing customer demands.

The Ministry of Works and Transport will operationalize the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, No. 9 of 2017 by launching a software management system called the UTURN System. UTURN will digitize many of the business processes and services of the Licensing Division by making transactions faster and easier.

With over one (1) million registered vehicles and 800,000 authorised drivers, it is no longer ‘business as usual’ at the Licensing Division. This operational transformation is needed, to accommodate the demands of the new progressive legislative initiatives, as well as an increasing number of daily transactions.

To support the new legislative initiatives, the Licensing Division will implement the following:

 

• Modern Electronic Solutions – Customers deserve fast service, and less time standing in long lines. The Licensing Division is digitising its data management records, training staff and improving its operations, to offer you less time-intensive transactions and overall, more convenient processes.
• An Accountable and Transparent Work Culture – The Licensing Division is removing inefficient data and records management systems and upgrading to an online platform, to reduce unethical practices.
• Sustainable Transformation – This change will cultivate a productive work culture throughout the Licensing Division, through the use of 21st century technology and business practices.
• Upgrading of Licensing Offices at Port of Spain, Arima, Guaico and Princes Town.

Driving permit records have also been automated on the digital platform. Centralising driver and vehicle data on the network, allows for greater connectivity among Licensing Offices across Trinidad and Tobago. Information from the digital platform is readily accessible to all customers – saving time and resources.

This online feature enables citizens to access their driving permit and vehicle registration information in real-time, through a customer portal accessed at https://apps.mowt.gov.tt. Customers will no longer need to visit the Licensing Division and join long lines to access or verify their information. They can now do so from their computers or mobile devices, via the internet.

The Licensing Division has partnered with the Trinidad & Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST) and TTCONNECT to implement its upcoming Online Certified Copy Request & Delivery System. This pioneering initiative affords citizens the convenience to:

• Request and pay for certified copies online; and
• Have the certified copy delivered to a preferred location such as their residence, workplace or a convenient TTCONNECT Centre.

In keeping with the Licensing Division’s aim to provide modern digital solutions, members of the public will soon have the opportunity to pay for their transactions using self-assisted Kiosks. These will be available at several Licensing offices nationwide.

Use of self-assisted kiosk machines for payment is expected to greatly reduce long lines and waiting times experienced at cashiers’ windows. The new system will reduce the volume of transactions conducted by cashiers, leaving them available to assist the public in other areas.

A critical part of the Licensing Division’s operational transformation plan involves the use of technology to detect discrepancies and identify fraudulent practices.

Within recent years, driving permits have become machine-readable and upgraded with security features such as hidden watermarks and retro-reflective material. These improvements will aid in preventing unlawful duplication of permits.

The Ministry is very mindful of the risk we face due to the inefficient and ineffective number plate system currently in use. What is needed is a more secure plate along with a proper inventory management system, to avoid duplication and eliminate the ease of replication. 

To this end, the new number plate will include the following features:

• High security validation hologram
• Retro-reflective material
• Embedded RFID Chip
• High security alphanumeric fonts
• Hidden watermarks
• Laser engraved 2D code

The new system will also provide citizens with the opportunity to order Specialized Sequential Numbers, as well as Personalized Plates.

In conducting numerous daily transactions and serving the public of Trinidad & Tobago, we recognize that very often citizens, particularly in rural areas, have to travel lengthy distances to renew their driving permits, apply for a certified copy or update their driving permit records.

With this mind, Licensing Authority is not only transforming itself into a highly computerized centre, but we hold true to our transformational success goals, by establishing a Mobile Service Unit. This service caters to citizens in rural communities and villages by conducting scheduled visits in those areas, to provide hassle free access to several services.

The Mobile Service Unit will be fully equipped with the necessary technology and resources to perform:

• Printing of certified copies;
• Processing of learner’s driving permits;
• Renewal of driving permits;
• Regulations testing for all driving permit classes;
• Renewal of taxi badges; and
• Verification and updating of driving permit information.

Through our Mobile Service Unit, computerized data management and effective security practices, the transformation of Licensing Division to a modern centre of connectivity will greatly reduce time and resource wastage, and allow efficiency and professionalism to become our new ‘business as usual.