New driver’s license system aims to cut wait times in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Officials from the state Transportation Cabinet gave lawmakers a progress report Tuesday afternoon on a new driver’s license database they say will make the process of getting and updating a driver’s license more efficient.

In some cases, people may not have to visit a regional office at all.

Father, daughter complete permit process

Inside the Lexington Spindletop Regional Driver’s Licensing Regional Office, the waiting room on a Tuesday afternoon wasn’t jammed, but was busy enough for employees.

Emma Willhoite celebrated after passing her test for her driver’s permit. Her father, J.C. Willhoite, was with her, holding the necessary paperwork to complete the process. The whole process took them an hour to complete.

J.C. Willhoite said the time wasn’t an issue.

“An hour, not for this. She had to take a test and then an eye test, then we had to get the license, so I don’t think it was too bad for us,” Willhoite said.

New system replaces 40-year-old database

Tuesday afternoon, transportation officials updated lawmakers on a new database for the state’s driver’s licenses. The old system was 40 years old. The new system is called the Kentucky Information Network for Driver Licensing, also known as KINDL.

Transportation officials said KINDL is designed to be user-friendly for employees and works with the state’s driver’s licensing website to allow customers to renew their license and upload vision screenings, among other things.

Naitore Djigbenou, executive director of the Office of Public Affairs for the Transportation Cabinet, said wait times have already improved.

“Last spring in April, we had, we were averaging 49 minutes for a walk-in. Now that’s down to nine minutes, so a lot of effort has gone into improving the customer service experience,” Djigbenou said.

Willhoite supports database update

J.C. Willhoite said he supports the idea of improving the database.

“As taxpayers, we do want to be careful about how the money is spent, but also, at some point, you do have to update these systems,” Willhoite said.

Transportation Cabinet officials said the system will make updating easier, but they recommend not waiting until the last minute to renew a license.

“Don’t wait until you’re due to renew. Make that account now. It’ll save you time later,” Djigbenou said.

Daughter passes driving test

The Willhoites said they had no problems at the office, although Emma Willhoite said she was nervous about the driving test.

“I was a little bit nervous, but I was also excited because I did pass,” Emma Willhoite said.

The 15-year-old has her permit, but her father is still behind the wheel. He is not yet letting her drive on the interstate.

More offices, library screenings planned

The Transportation Cabinet said three more regional offices will open soon. In the future, some libraries will be equipped with vision screenings, allowing people to complete that part of the process without visiting a regional office.

More information is available here.