They have introduced some new equipment (photographing, eye testing and fingerprint scanning) at the Licensing Offices to speed up the renewal of driving licences and they must be commended for this.
But why do you still need to take your own photographs has got me guessing? I was tempted to ask why but the only persons that were likely to be able to tell you would be the Management and from my past experiences I decided not to even go there.
The process:
First stage, fill in the form you got from reception. The fact that you got a reminder form does not imply that you will be exempt from filling in this other form. (Make sure you take a pen and a board with you to allow you to fill in the form whilst standing in the queue otherwise you will waste even more time).
Second stage, stand in the queue to obtain a number after the turnstile.
Sit/stand for a while and wait for your number to be called and then get your tests done.
Third stage, stand in the queue again to obtain another number.
Sit/stand for a long time and wait for your number to be called so you can have the pleasure of paying.
It takes longer to pay than do the tests. I have no idea why this is the case!
I assume the “take a number” helps with queue jumping but it is simply another queue that delays the process.
Fourth stage, wait for around three weeks and venture to the offices to collect your licence. (You might even get a reminder via post if the postman feels like delivering it).
Fifth stage, stand in the queue again to obtain a number.
Sit for a while and wait for your number to be called.
Just a thought: If there is no one is in the queue, why are you waiting for your number to be called?
So there you have it, two trips to the Licensing Department trying to avoid the pot holed roads of eMalahleni with nearly three hours wasted in queues to get your driving license.
Thank goodness it is only every five years!
Another prickly subject:
You still have to go yearly to renew your vehicle licence disc (tax disc) so look forward to wasting some more of your valuable time in the queues, I will describe this process in due course after I renew my disc later this year. I do get renewal reminders most of the time, failing which you have to fill in the form.
Why you cannot pay for your licence disc via the internet and have the Licensing Department courier you the disk using door to door in this modern age is beyond my comprehension. It would eliminate the money transactions at the offices and prevent robberies. After all they have all your details on record anyway.
