By Charmaine Ndlela
Gauteng has officially launched a modernised, cashless and appointment-only driver licensing centre at Gautrain’s Sandton Station, which it says will shorten queues and reduce opportunities for fraud and corruption.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela officially opened the Gautrain Sandton Station Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) on Wednesday as part of the provincial government’s drive to modernise public services and improve access to licensing through technology.
The facility provides driving and motor vehicle licensing services, including driving licence renewals for all licence codes, duplicate driving licences, Professional Driving Permit applications, changes to personal particulars, motor vehicle licence disc renewals, vehicle registration and licensing, changes of vehicle ownership and the payment of AARTO infringements.
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According to the department, the Smart DLTC has been designed to improve the customer experience by reducing waiting times and bringing essential government services closer to where residents live, work and commute.
Speaking at the launch, Diale-Tlabela said the opening of the facility reflected the Gauteng’s commitment to delivering modern, efficient and accessible public services.
“We are handing over this facility to the people of Gauteng for your benefit and convenience. We encourage you to make full use of the services available here, whether it is renewing your driver’s licence, your motor vehicle licence, or accessing other licensing services,” she said.
“This facility is part of our commitment to growing Gauteng into a province that delivers modern, efficient and accessible government services to all its residents.”
The centre operates from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays, with the Saturday service intended to provide greater flexibility for working residents.
The Sandton facility is Gauteng’s seventh Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre, joining existing centres at Umphakathi Mall, Denlyn Mall, Atteridgeville Mall, Protea Glen Mall, Maponya Mall and Gautrain Midrand Station.
The department said the centres use digital enrolment technology and cashless payment systems, which could allow some licence renewal transactions to be completed in approximately 10 minutes.
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They operate strictly on an appointment basis to reduce waiting times, improve efficiency and promote transparent, corruption-free service delivery.
The department said law-enforcement officials were deployed at the facilities to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
The launch forms part of the provincial government’s #GrowingGautengTogether vision and the implementation of its Smart Mobility Programme, which seeks to modernise transport services by using technology to improve efficiency and accessibility.
It also supports the Department of Roads and Transport’s #AgaLeRona service delivery accelerator, which is aimed at expanding licensing services to townships and other underserved communities across the province.
