How we develop our digital licensing services for industry
Find out how we’re working to improve VOL
We’re constantly working to improve our digital licensing services.
In the latest blog for Moving On, we explain how we build those services and talk about what we’ve been working on recently.
Vehicle operator licensing: how we develop our services for industry
In another of our guest blogs from the traffic commissioners, we find out about the latest developments for online operator licensing services.
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the countless vehicle changes you make online?
Or the variation application you submit digitally to open a new operating centre?
Or the updates you make to your licence record through VOL?
Our digital team work hard to make sure those online services are always available so your business can keep running smoothly.
And because we’re a service on GOV.UK, the team is constantly looking to improve the vehicle operator licensing (VOL) system.
We listen
To do this we listen to what you need.
That’s how we develop new services. Our team visit operators like you and find out how your business runs and what challenges you face when operating commercial vehicles.
With this information, we make VOL better and provide more efficient ways to manage your licence.
We recently introduced the Verify service to allow transport managers to use digital signatures. 83% of users said they’d be willing to use this service to sign applications.
Verify is already in place for new applications and licence continuations.
We build services
Our developers work out what you need to do as a user to carry out a task, such as completing a digital signature. Then they write down what’s needed to develop it.
Once it’s built and added to VOL, they test it to make sure there aren’t any problems. After that, it’s made available to you, our users.
Now, the VOL team is focused on introducing digital licence surrenders. This means you’ll soon be able to apply online to give up a licence you don’t need any more, instead of filling in the paper forms.
It’s one more step towards making all of our major transactions digital and part of continuously improving the service.
We support compliance
VOL’s not just a service used by operator licence holders and transport managers. The database behind the system actually helps DVSA examiners at the roadside.
When a vehicles stopped, they’re able to check if it’s properly licensed using their smartphones. Over 700 enforcement staff have access to live data from VOL at the roadside.
That’s because the traffic commissioners and DVSA have an agreement to share data which helps the agency to carry out its enforcement work effectively.
We want to make sure you’re happy
One of our most important jobs is to find out how you’re using the service and what you think of it.
Our user research shows 82% of you are satisfied with your experience of VOL and you’ve given us some positive feedback.
Take up for our digital services is at 82% too. We’re delighted so many of you are using VOL.
If you want to be part of our user research in the future and help us improve our services, please email: webpublishing@otc.gov.uk
