Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is responsible for the national transport system, which involves overseeing a rite of passage for every New Zealander to obtain a driving licence. NZTA carries out driver licence theory tests every year at more than 100 sites and 15 mobile locations nationwide.
The Challenge
The existing technology supporting the national transport agency’s testing system had become outdated and was no longer supported. The lack of integration between their Driver Licence Theory Testing platform and the Driver Licence Register necessitated manual data entry, which was time-consuming and prone to errors. Moreover, the mobile testing locations were constrained by the need for pre-configured software on dedicated devices, which limited access and flexibility. These shortcomings posed a significant business risk to the transport agency.
In keeping with the New Zealand government’s Digital Public Service Strategy, the organisation committed to creating a more modern, flexible, and efficient way to conduct its driver licence theory tests. The new solution needed to benefit both learner drivers and administrators.
The Solution
In just 6 months, with the help of OutSystems partners Unisys and PhoenixDX, NZTA was able to transition from its aging national testing system to a modern and agile cloud-based solution using OutSystems AI-powered low-code platform. With just 5 developers, the project was delivered on time with all the agreed functionality, which was critical due to the expiring software license of the legacy solution. The agency chose OutSystems due to its track record in rapid application development, experience in modernising legacy systems, enterprise security features and use of open standards, avoiding vendor lock-in.
The new system addresses the challenges of the legacy system by introducing automation, integration, and vastly simplified processes for learner drivers and agency staff. The new solution allows self-service tests to be run concurrently, which means they can be conducted anywhere, from any device without needing pre-configured hardware, increasing customer reach.
The new solution also delivered unprecedented flexibility for New Zealand’s driver license theory testing service. The future-proof system can be easily modified to add new functionality, reflect changes in strategic direction and accommodate evolving legislative requirements.
Results
- Delivered end-to-end legacy modernisation in < 6 months
- Self-service testing anywhere, from any device
- Testing administered approximately 20% faster
- Booking tests and receiving results far easier due to automation
- Delivers seamless customer experience
- Increases customer reach and satisfaction
- Full integration with the Drivers’ License Register
- Eliminates manual data entry and increases efficiency
- Saves 20% in administration costs
- Increases testing capacity to185,000 exams per year
- Ability to adapt quickly and easily to future changes
"Sitting the test was simple, intuitive and easy to use."
"The new solution has reduced my workload and made the process of booking and supervising a candidate test incredibly simple."
