New driver’s licence on way

IN 2022-23: GET A PHYSICAL CARD OR GO DIGITAL Globally compliant so travellers do not need to get an international permit.

In about two years’ time, motorists will be able to have their driver’s licence cards delivered to their homes within seven days, or stored digitally on their cellphones, as the department of transport is in the last leg of implementing a new driver’s licence card.

Trnsaport Minister Fikile Mbalula said the sole producer of licences, the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA), will design the new driver’s licence card.

The card, planned to be implemented in the 2022-23 financial year, would include improved security features while complying with international standards, the department said.

The card is still to be approved by parliament.

But what problems would it solve?

The current infrastructure was old and maintaining it was not cost-effective, transport department spokesman Collen Msibi said.

“With improved equipment and re-engineered processes, the DLCA aims to reduce the turnaround time to seven days [from 10 to 14],” he said.

“With compliance to international and regional standards, the card will be internationally accepted. There will be no need to apply for an international driving licence when travelling overseas.”

The new technology would also enable the “seamless sharing of information” with other transport entities, such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation.

No need to queue as it is all online

The new system was also aimed to relieve the frustrations of long queues at testing centres as it would operate online with the option of a delivery service, Msibi said.

“The modernised card production system will mean citizens can apply for a card online and even elect to have their card delivered to them. This will reduce the traffic at the testing centres.”

Motorists would have the option of selecting to obtain the physical card or a digital version, which would be available on cellphones through an app.

“As a result, there is a need to modernise the card production system, which means the new card with improved security features, re-engineering business processes and training of staff.”

–