Here’s EXACTLY what SA’s new smart LICENSE system can DO

SA’s new smart license system promises to make queuing to renew your driver’s license a thing of the past. Anyone who’s had to renew their driver’s license needs no reminding of the palaver it can be. Joining a queue at the Driving License Testing Centre (DLTC) only to find you’re in the wrong one, don’t have the correct documents filled out when you get to the counter. And then there’s that interminable wait to get your fingerprints and ID photos taken because the equipment is faulty.

SA’S NEW SMART LICENSE SYSTEM

Soon SA’s new smart license system will make such dramas a thing of the past. According to reports from Business Tech, the upcoming Driving License Card Account (DLCA) will make a ‘smart’ enrolment system possible for motorists renewing their driver’s licenses. There is no confirmation yet on when the smart DLCA system will come into operation. But department communiques from 2022 did suggest SA’s new smart license system would come into operation sometime in 2023.

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As published in the Department of Transport’s annual report, SA’s new smart license system will support self-service license card applications. You would create your own profile, create the license card application, upload documents and ensure payment online. This is opposed to the admin being handled by DLTC officials.

IT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY

“As part of the IT Digital Transformation Strategy, DLCA will be introducing the concept of smart enrolment,” said the DOT. Overall, SA’s new smart license system will be rolled out in three ways:

• Complete online self-service.
• Hybrid self-service option with assistance.
• The current, fully in-person method.

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SA’s new smart license system will allow you to do the following online:

• Create your profile.
• Complete application forms.
• Capture images.
• Capture signature.
• Upload your eye test.
• Process payment.
• Book appointments.

SHORTER PROCESS TIMES

According to James Mlawu, the DLCA director general, SA’s new smart license system will go a long way to shorten process times. Another reason for the digital system is the deteriorating condition of the department machine that prints the cards. It’s suffered significant downtime during the year, leading to big delays and millions in maintenance costs.

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Beyond the technology itself, the DOT is in the process of procuring more card printing machines to handle demand. In 2022, the average processing time of a South African driver’s license was 26 days. In 2023, the goal was to reduce this to 14 days. There’s no confirmation if this goal has been achieved or not. However, by 2025, the DOT aims to have license processing down to 10 days.

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What do you think of SA’s new smart license system? Will it work or be yet another expensive but ultimately flawed government initiative? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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