Drivers can to avoid queues at the the Transport Control Department (TCD) by logging on the Internet.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown told the House on Friday that the public can download all TCD forms and publications and submit applications for personalised licence plates.

The website was launched in October this year and has had 3,000 hits.

Soon the website will display the estimated wait time at TCD so customers can know the situation before they arrive.

Work will start in January on allowing citizens 24-hour access to book appointments online for driving tests, search for available appointments by preferred date and time and get instant confirmation of their scheduled appointment.

The system will send reminder e-mails to vehicle owners to notify them to book an appointment as their expiration date approaches.

Drivers can confirm test dates by e-mail rather than calling TCD the day before.

Dr. Brown said TCD will establish an electronic link with the insurance companies in Bermuda to allow them to transfer insurance information electronically to the department.

"As all registered vehicles are required to have insurance this step will result in cost reductions and increased efficiency for both insurance companies and the Transport Control Department.

"There will be no worries about pieces of paper being lost as all the information will be able to be transferred electronically."

An electronic knowledge test is also planned. Dr. Brown said TCD will upgrade licenses from laminated photo cards to a plastic card with security enhancements. TCD will begin to electronically store photos to enable the public to order replacement licences online.

"This phase will also open the link between TCD and the Police to allow them to retrieve licence information and images from a remote location.

"Finally this phase will allow the courts to interface with the TCD system to efficiently modify driving privileges that have been revoked as a result of violating the road laws."

Eventually all of TCD's services will go online said Dr. Brown, including vehicle registration renewals, TCD permit applications, truck applications, and reporting of vehicle ownership changes.

"These changes make paper-based processes fully interactive and allow citizens and companies to track the status of their application and pay for them online."

To access the site go to: www.tcd.gov.bm