The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has disclosed that it inherited a backlog of more than 440,000 pending driver’s licence applications — a situation officials say posed significant operational and security risks.

In response, the Authority introduced a 24-hour operational centre to centralise the processing of licences. The initiative is aimed at accelerating issuance while tightening security to prevent unauthorised access and the production of fake licences.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, February 13, the DVLA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Attuh, said the intervention has led to the clearance of about 400,000 applications.

Despite the progress, he acknowledged persistent complaints from applicants who claim they have been waiting for their licences since 2023.

To further address the backlog, the DVLA has expanded its 24-hour operations with the establishment of an additional centre at Adenta. Mr Attuh added that similar round-the-clock services are also operating at the ports in Takoradi and Tema to ease pressure on the system.

He explained that when the current Chief Executive Officer assumed office, the Authority identified the huge backlog and opted to centralise processing due to the sensitive nature of the licensing system.

According to him, plans are underway to extend 24-hour services to regional offices where demand is high. In areas where full round-the-clock operations are not feasible, the DVLA is implementing extended hours through a two-shift system, with the possibility of scaling up based on demand.