Sandton’s new Smart Driving License Testing Centre promises faster service and no fraud

The Gauteng Province Department of Roads and Transport has officially launched a modernised smart Driving License Testing Centre at Gautrain’s Sandton Station, marking another milestone in its drive to bring efficient, technology-driven public services closer to residents.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on July 29, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the facility fulfils a commitment made by the provincial government in 2022 to establish smart licensing centres in communities across Gauteng.

She said the centre will offer a comprehensive range of driver and motor vehicle licensing services.

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These include the renewal of driving licences for all licence codes, duplicate driving licences, applications for professional driving permits, changes of personal particulars, payment of administrative adjudication of road traffic offence infringements, motor vehicle licence disc renewals, vehicle registration and licensing, and changes of vehicle ownership.

“The launch forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s #GrowingGautengTogether vision and the implementation of its Smart Mobility programme, which aims to modernise public services while improving access to efficient licensing services through technology,” Diale-Tlabela said.

“We promised the people of Gauteng in 2022 that we would be rolling out smart licensing centres near where they are.”

She added that the Sandton smart centre becomes the seventh centre operating in Gauteng, joining facilities at Umphakathi Mall, Denlyn Mall, Atteridgeville Mall, Protea Glen Mall, Maponya Mall and Gautrain Midrand Station.

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Diale-Tlabela said residents can expect a significantly improved customer experience compared with the traditional licensing centres.

“We are in the business of feelings. You must be happy when you come to us as Gauteng Roads and Transport licensing centres. You must be happy during the service and after the service. This is a 15- to 20-minute service. You do not spend more than that in our centres.”

Addressing concerns about corruption and fraudulent licence applications, Diale-Tlabela said the centre’s technology-driven systems and enhanced security measures would make illegal practices far more difficult.

“This is a cashless service. This is where you can’t bribe. We are depending highly on technology here, including the security around. People will not be able to do fraudulent licence applications.”

She issued a strong warning against fraud, urging residents to not create a conducive environment for fraudulent activities that happen with public services.

“We are encouraging, especially those who are young, looking for licences and learner’s licences, please do not buy. Do it the right way; you will get it.

“If you are doing it the wrong way, you will be arrested. Being arrested is having a criminal record against your name, and that risks you being able to participate in the economy. Because when you get a job, they do check your criminal record. Please don’t buy, don’t bribe, do it the right way.”

In conclusion, Diale-Tlabela said the centre operates strictly on an appointment basis, eliminating the need for intermediaries and promoting transparent, corruption-free service delivery.

“Law enforcement officials are deployed at the facilities to uphold integrity and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.”

The centre operates from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays.

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