New online system for licence renewals, driving tests
The Road Traffic Management
Corporation (RTMC) is
set to introduce a new online service for learners
and driver’s licence applications.
The service is aimed at curbing corruption at licensing centres around the country.
The new system will allow people to choose the date, time and place for their driver’s tests or to renew their licences.
“I think this will be convenient for the members of the public because now you will be going to the centres to pay for your appointment and do the eye test and from there will be no interaction with officials and officials won’t have the opportunity to block bookings,” says RMTC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
Fraud and corruption at testing centres have been a thorn in the flesh of authorities for years. In some instances bookings are blocked for certain individuals who have bribed traffic officials.
“We have found that spaces are being blocked to enable people who are coming from the corrupt networks to be able to do tests on a particular date and a particular time. We want to deal with that so people have equal opportunity and the handling of officials,” Zwane says.
The new system will be introduced at the end of August, with Gauteng motorists the first to benefit.