The Department of Transport has granted motorists whose drivers’ licences expired this year after the start of lockdown a welcome reprieve.
According to a notice gazetted yesterday, “all learners’ licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expired during the period that commenced from March 26, 2020 up to and including December 31, 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity periods are extended for a further grace period ending on August 31, 2021”.
“It has been virtually impossible to renew expired licences and obtain learner licences in Gauteng due to the online booking system that does not work and the long queues people have to wait in if they are fortunate enough to get a slot. Not to mention the dysfunction that even if you booked a date and time, you still have to queue when you get to the licensing department,” says Dominique Msibi, portfolio manager at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse public governance division.
The move is regarded as particularly welcome ahead of the festive season.