Ekurhuleni Applies Digital Technology for Learner Driver’s Test

The City’s relentless quest to become a digital city is gaining momentum as the Licensing Division introduces a digital technology testing system.

On the road to getting a driver’s licence you first have to sit for a written paper test. This common practise was extremely predictable and quite often corruptible.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety Cllr Frans Mmoko says, “The new system automates the learner’s licence test, eliminating the time-consuming and inefficient processes involved, and the incredible volumes of paper the centres have to plough through. This feature enables the system to give instant results without having to wait for hours before the learner’s results get confirmed.”

“Another issue is that the test papers have been around for so long that they are being circulated, not only by unscrupulous individuals but also by official driving instructor schools and academies. Students are being instructed in how to answer the papers, rather than how to understand the road rules, laws and signs and, therefore, answer the questions intelligently. What this essentially means is that countless people are getting behind a wheel and onto South Africa’s roads without understanding a single road sign or any rules of the road.

“The system has an uninterruptible power supply which means that when power supply cuts off, the system is able to continue operating for four more hours. Additionally, should the landline fail, the system will automatically switch over to 3D to prevent data from being lost or disruptions to service,” explains Mmoko.

The City’s growth and development strategy (GDS) 2055 has identified transforming the City into a digital city as a key focus area of service delivery. This includes viewing and payment of accounts through e-Siyakhokha, rolling out of Wi-Fi to municipal buildings and My COE App, among other digital programmes.

How to make a booking for a learner’s license?

Log on to https://online.natis.gov.za to make a booking, and then:

• Register your profile.
• Make a booking to a DLTC where you’d like to be tested.
• You must pay for your booking at the testing station at which the pre-booking was made.
• The payment must be made within three days from making the pre-booking.
• You can do the eye test on the day of the payment at the DLTC, or visit a recognised eye specialist where a certificate will be issued that will be acceptable at the testing station.
• If the date and time that you prefer is not available, it could be that it has been already allocated as the system is live, or the testing station is fully booked for the date and time you prefer. You can either wait until booking time slots become available or try a different testing station.