Driving licence delay warning

THE Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) has said applications and the issuing of driving licences may be delayed because of industrial action at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) in Pretoria.

The department’s head of communication Jandré Bakker said processing of applications for new licence cards and renewals is decentralised, but all cards are issued by the DLCA, a trading entity of the National Department of Transport.

“This delay will therefore affect applicants all over South Africa.

“Drivers who apply for a driving licence card renewal on or before the expiry date pay R140 for the new card, and may continue to drive for a maximum of three months, provided they are in possession of their application receipts and their old cards,” said Bakker.

Drivers who apply after their licences have expired pay R140 for the new card, and must apply for a temporary licence at an additional cost of R45.

The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works encourages members of the public to apply for their replacement cards well in advance to mitigate the risk of having to obtain a temporary driving licence.

DTPW said it was aware of the frustration this may cause, despite the fact that this delay was not the fault of DTPW or any of the local driving licence testing centres. The department will keep the public informed of any further developments.