25 February 2010
The validity of a learner’s licence has been extended from 18 to 24 months, while driving licence tests may now also be taken on Sundays, says South African Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.
In terms of the notices, published in the Government Gazette on 17 February, the time for testing of drivers for motor vehicles has been extended to 5pm on Saturdays, and the inclusion of testing on Sundays from 7am to 1pm.
“These measures form part of [the] government’s efforts to improve service delivery and will enable us to provide a better service to driving licence applicants,” Ndebele said in Pretoria this week.
“It will also assist towards reducing the backlog with regards to driving licence applications.”
Improving service delivery
Ndebele added that the department was working with provinces and municipalities to improve service delivery at the 371 testing centres countrywide.
“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,” he said.
He urged driving licence applicants to make bookings for their tests well in advance, and not to wait for the last minute.
Source: BuaNews
