To give motorists a fair opportunity to renew their licences, while it is rolling out a number of measures to improve efficiencies and resolve challenges at licensing departments, the Department of Transport is extending the grace period for the renewal of licences to March 31, 2022.

All learners licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that began on March 26, 2020, up to and including August 31, this year, are deemed to be valid and their validity periods are extended for a further grace period to March 31, 2022.

This extension comes into effect from the date of publication of the Directions in the Government Gazette, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced on August 27.

This extension follows an assessment of the quantum of the backlog, with licences not being renewed, owing to delays as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nationally, there is a 42.4% rate of non-renewal.

The department also noted that it was aware of the magnitude of the challenges facing Department Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).

Gauteng has experienced serious capacity challenges in its online booking system, which results in, among others, the non-availability of slots for those who want to renew their licences.

Therefore, additional capacity will be added through the opening of two new DLTCs, to be operated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) at the Waterfall Park, in Midrand, and the Eco Park, in Centurion.

These will open on October 1 and will operate seven days a week, from 07:00 to 21:00.

This is expected to increase Gauteng’s capacity for renewal slots by 48%.

Moreover, an email service has been activated for Gauteng users who experience difficulties with online bookings and renewing their licences.

Further, a new DLTC was opened in Tembisa, in July, which the department says has further augmented capacity in the province.

The RTMC has also fitted two buses with equipment to serve as mobile centres to assist with licence renewals.

Once the RTMC registration as DLTCs has been finalised, these buses will be deployed in Diepsloot and Alexandra, with the planned deployment date set for October 1.

Moreover, two self-service kiosks are being prepared for testing and should be rolled out by October to assist those who do not have immediate access to a DLTC.

As part of the rollout of a bouquet of services to improve customer experience, processes to introduce online payments are advanced and a banking partner has been appointed.

The department also noted progress in extending the operating hours of DLTCs; however, some provinces have experienced challenges regarding staff overtime.

Further, the RTMC has been in discussions with the Health Professions Council of South Africa to conclude a memorandum of understanding, to allow private optometrists to upload eye tests results directly to the eNatis system on behalf of motorists.

The interface of live enrolment units with home affairs has been completed, which will enable immediate validation of fingerprints.

The department also notes significant progress with the deployment of additional eNatis equipment across all provinces.