Only essential service workers will be allowed to renew their driver’s and vehicle licenses during lockdown level 4, said Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula in a lockdown briefing last Friday.

Driver’s licence and vehicle testing centres are expected to gradually re-open during Level 4.

According to Mbalula the opening of the Driver’s Licence Testing Centres (DLTC) will be staggered once inspection and verification of the state of readiness are done at all of them.

While driver’s licence testing centres based in metropolitans will open on 1 June, further directions will be issued regarding the daily number of people who can be attended to while restricting bookings to online platforms.

In addition, driving schools will be allowed to continue during this period and will be subjected to social distancing and sanitising measures.
The instructor as well as the student will have to wear masks.

The minister said all expired license discs, as well as driver’s licenses, will be given grace period if they expired during lockdown.

However all those expired before lockdown, will be punishable by fines.

Servicing of vehicles of personnel performing emergency services will be permitted under Level 4.

“This also includes the importation of spares for service purposes and for manufacturing.

“Emergency spares are also allowed to be on sale,” Mbalula said.

Also, people whose vehicles are at a mechanic for repairs or service may arrange to get them back if the vehicles are to be used for essential service purposes.

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