Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has extended the validity of a learner’s licence to 24 months and driving licence testing hours to include Saturdays and Sundays.
The minister published two general notices to this effect in the
Government Gazette on 17 February 2010. In terms of notice 133 of 2010, the time for testing of drivers for motor vehicles has been extended to 17h00 on Saturday, and the inclusion of testing on Sunday from 07h00 to 13h00. In terms of notice 134 of 2010, the period of validity of a learner’s licence has been extended from 18 months to 24 months.
Minister Ndebele said that these measures will contribute towards improving service delivery pertaining to driving licences.
“These measures form part of government’s efforts to improve service delivery and will enable us to provide a better service to driving licence applicants. It will also assist towards reducing the backlog with regards to driving licence applications. Given the challenges relating to service delivery and administrative bottlenecks at certain driving licence testing centres (DLTC’s); this is being done with the view to improve the quality of service.
“The national Department of Transport is continuously engaging with provinces and municipalities with regards to improving service delivery at the 371 driving licence testing centres country wide. We have also moved towards computerised licensing testing systems and have rolled out mobile and fixed stations in various parts of the country. The new computerised system is also assisting to root out fraud and corruption.
“Further, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, road safety education is being introduced as part of the life skills curriculum at schools. Learners in grade 11 will be able to acquire their learner’s licences and their driving licences as they complete grade 12.
“We also want to urge driving licence applicants to make bookings for their tests well in advance, and not to wait for the last minute. Learner drivers will now have 24 months, from the date on which his or her learner licence is issued, to prepare and apply for a driving licence test,” said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
22 February 2010
Source: SAPA
