Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged driving licence applicants to make bookings for their tests well in advance, and not to wait for the last minute.
The Minister’s call comes in the wake of reports that certain driving licence applicants are unable to get bookings on time.
“According to the National Road Traffic Act, every learner driver has 18 months (one and a half years), from the date on which his/her learner licence is issued, to prepare and apply for a driving licence test.
"Almost without exception, the majority of learner drivers wait for one or two months before the 18 month expiry period and expect a booking to be made available within weeks. We are therefore urging driving licence applicants to book for their driving licence tests well in advance, and not to wait a week or two just before their learner licence expires. As the Department of Transport, we are continuously engaging with provinces and municipalities to better our driving licence services. To this end, several testing stations are now open outside of normal working hours, including Saturdays.
"We have also moved towards computerised licensing testing systems, and have rolled out mobile and fixed stations in various parts of the country. However, driving licence applicants should not wait for the last minute to book for their tests,” said the Minister.
Members of the public who encounter any problem regarding driving licence bookings are requested to contact the head of the relevant driving licence testing centre. In Gauteng province, Khensani Tshabalala may be contacted on 011 355 7519.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
9 February 2010
