OUTA drivers licence

A South African ID book and drivers licence. Photo: Gallo images

Drivers’ licence backlog: Gauteng motorists handed renewal respite

Here’s how Gauteng motorists unable to renew their drivers’ licenses due to a severe backlog have been offered additional support

OUTA drivers licence

A South African ID book and drivers licence. Photo: Gallo images

Following the decision to extend the deadline of renewals for all drivers’ licences that expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 August 2021, the Department of Transport has announced that a concerted effort will be made to address the backlog currently facing them in Gauteng. 

The “Request a Slot” campaign is aimed at ensuring that South African motorists that need to renew their license have ample opportunities to do so, with additional facilities being launched that can assist with the backlog. The campaign started on Wednesday and will continue until 31 March 2022.

‘Request A Slot’ campaign to assist with drivers’ licence renewals  

In a statement released on Thursday 2 September, the Department of Transport said that the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport is “optimistic” that the initiative will be of great assistance to motorists in renewing their driver’s licenses.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Jacob Mamabolo presented the initiative before  a special committee meeting held on Wednesday, and the department shared detailed plans to deal with the backlog following the announcement by the Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s decision to extend the deadline for renewals to 31 March 2022.

“The committee is pleased with what seems to be efficient and innovative plans that will address the demand for renewals,” they said. 

The plans include the rollout of renewal facilities at selected Gautrain stations and additional Driver License and Traffic Centres (DTLC) that will operate with extended operating days and hours from 7:00 to 21:00. They added that  biometric systems will help to accelerate efficiency of service delivery.

Backlog requires innovative solutions 

Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport Chairperson, Gregory Schneemann, said that the backlog is an issue at the top of the Department’s list of priorities, and welcomed the presentation of innovative solutions. 

“This is an exciting programme which the Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport supports. The committee will, of course, exercise its oversight role on the implementation of the different initiatives,” he said. 

“The department is expected to provide regular reports and updates on this programme. This matter will be a standing item on the agenda in all our portfolio committee meetings.

Here’s how to renew your drivers’ licence in Gauteng: 

Gauteng citizens were encouraged to use the avenues that have been made available by the department to renew their licenses and “not wait for the 11th hour”.

For license renewal, motorists are advised to request a slot online on: https://online.natis.gov.za and on Android-based APP: RenewOnline_GP (to be launched soon on Google Play Store).

Motorists can also renew their driver’s licenses by sending an email on at: requestaslot@gauteng.gov.za or requestaslot@rtmc.co.za