Johannesburg: The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is accelerating the roll out of Smart Driver Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the province, bringing efficient, ethical and modern licensing services directly to communities while supporting the department's road safety objectives. Currently, operational Smart DLTCs include Atteridgeville, Denlyn, Maponya Mall, Centurion, Protea Glen and Midrand, with the Umphakathi Smart DLTC set to open soon, further expanding access to quality licensing services in townships and underserved areas.
According to South African Government News Agency, these cutting-edge facilities have redefined the licensing experience, providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience while significantly improving turnaround times for licence renewals and other services. The Smart DLTCs are fully integrated into the eNaTIS administration system and are designed as hubs of licensing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, renewals and more.
The MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, stated that the roll out forms part of the provincial government's 'Smart Mobility Plan' under Growing Gauteng Together 2030 and supports broader road safety objectives. Diale-Tlabela emphasized that this initiative is not only about convenience but also about enhancing road safety. By making licensing accessible and corruption-free, more individuals can obtain proper licensing, thereby reducing illegal driving and the acquisition of fake licenses.
The extension of Smart DLTCs into townships, informal settlements, and hostels ensures quality services are available where people live, reducing the need for long journeys to distant licensing offices. This expansion aims to reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and effectively respond to the province's renewal service demands. Additionally, it helps relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices, thereby improving the overall system for everyone.
Key features of the smart DLTCs include operations from Monday to Saturday, allowing working residents to access services conveniently. The use of smart enrolment technology and cashless systems enables license renewals to be processed in approximately 10 minutes. Furthermore, appointment-only operations eliminate the need for runners, with law enforcement officials managing the centres to ensure transparency and integrity. By making licensing accessible and eliminating corruption, the centres ensure drivers are properly tested and legally licensed, supporting the department's 'E Thoma Ka Wena' (It Starts With You) road safety campaign.