At the time, Driver License Division offices were using a paper-based testing process that was slow for applicants and examiners to complete. This process consumed large amounts of staff time to monitor test-takers and score completed tests, and sometimes led to errors in scoring and record-keeping. Legal requirements for records disposition mandated that test results be stored as long as seven years, which was challenging given the lack of resources, and limited space to maintain massive paper-based storage systems. To further complicate matters, applicants were required to take the test in one office and then hand-carry the completed, scored test to another office as proof of eligibility before they could have their picture taken and receive their permit or license. In addition to opening up opportunities for fraud, this multi-step, two-location process was a significant inconvenience for busy customers.

Having flagged these inefficiencies, Terling and his colleagues immediately

began looking for a cost-effective solution. Automation of DPS knowledge testing began later that year with the introduction of self-service kiosk technology from the AutoTest division of Openshaw Media Group (OMG), which, through a series of strategic acquisitions, has since become part of MorphoTrust USA, the leading provider of identity solutions and services in the U.S. AutoTest kiosks were installed in DPS offices to allow customers to complete knowledge testing on their own with minimal staff intervention. Implementation of the system was nearly flawless. “It was the best rollout I can recall for a new technology – a very efficient operation. I can’t think of any serious issues we had” said Curt Terling, IT Director for the Alabama Department of Of Public Safety.

DPS was able to observe the benefits of AutoTest right away. Fewer staff members were required to administer tests, monitor activity and add up scores, resulting in shorter lines at offices.

What are the benefits of automating knowledge tests for motor vehicle agencies?Just ask Curt Terling, IT Director for the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). This story begins back in 2001, when the Driver License Division of Alabama DPS began identifying functions within their issuance workflow that were costly, labor-intensive and inefficient. Knowledge testing quickly rose to the top of the list.

ALABAMA DepArtMent of puBLic SAfety

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Telephone: 978-215-2400 www.MorphoTrust.com

Randomized question selection virtually eliminated the possibility of cheating and automated scoring precluded examiner error. Applicant information and results recorded at the testing stage automatically populated forms used for issuance - saving time and reducing inaccuracies and discrepancies. The transition to digital record keeping resulted in the staff being more efficient with their time and eliminated the need to organize and store thousands of paper records. AutoTest’s configurable reporting functions also allowed DPS administrators to easily generate metrics to monitor testing activity and track trends by county and for the state.

On the other side of the counter, customers were adapting to AutoTest’s touch screen interface with very few problems, according to Terling. “At first, the younger demographic was slightly quicker to catch on, but now there are no concerns with any particular group. People of all ages and backgrounds seem very happy with it.” The introduction of AutoTest has also allowed DPS to provide testing services in 13 different languages, and in 2004, Alabama became the first state in the U.S. to offer automated driver license testing in American Sign Language for deaf and hearing-impaired applicants - providing a more uniform testing experience for everyone and eliminating the need to hire and schedule interpreters. Using AutoTest questions from the database, DPS has also developed an interactive “pre-test” phone app for customers to download and practice with.

AutoTest is now in every location of the Driver License Division across the state, and functionality has been extended to issuance workflows for not only commercial driver licenses, but also vessel and boat certifications and standard operator driver licenses. Encouraged by the success of the statewide AutoTest implementation, DPS also introduced MorphoTrust’s GPS-enabled RoadTest tablet technology for

CDL skills testing and scoring, which – in addition to automating the scoring system for a faster and more consistent scoring process – can be used to establish precise and consistent test routes and monitor examiners’ adherence to those routes. RoadTest has been utilized in the largest Alabama county with 25 RoadTest tables in use. The next phase of the rollout is ongoing and will extend the technology statewide before August 2013. In addition, DPS is in the process of integrating MorphoTrust’s Scheduler module allowing customers to make appointments and provide demographic information online, which will be especially helpful in achieving efficient allocation of CDL staffing resources in response to fluctuations in demand.

Terling appreciates the fact that all MorphoTrust technology for MVAs is extensible, scalable and designed for quick and pain-free integration with existing systems.

BenefitS

• Cheating is proactively prevented through the production of fully, randomized and unique tests for each applicant

• Automated scoring eliminates the possibility of examiner error

• Multi-language capabilities provides service to a more diverse constituency

• Verification is completed by correctly responding to one or more security questions as established by you or through birthdate confirmation

• Browser-based architecture eliminates the need to install software on every local and remote PC that requires access to the system

• Service securely deployed over the Internet reduces the number of applicants taking knowledge tests onsite, thus reducing requirements for additional testing systems, administrators and workspace

Telephone: 978-215-2400 www.MorphoTrust.com

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