New normal at licensing centres
Motorists yesterday began putting their vehicles and driving permit matters in order following the introduction of the phased-in reopening of drivers licence testing centres.
It was the first time they could collect their licences, change vehicle ownership and request temporary driving permits since the lockdown more than three months ago.
Staff members were well prepared and trained to control queues and enforce lockdown safety regulations. They even took personal details of every customer in case they needed to contact them again at a later stage.
Staff members protected themselves to the point of avoiding sharing pens and operated on a strictly no mask, no entry policy.
City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said: “Our licensing centres should have been opened on June 1 as announced by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula. However, they couldn’t open for business due to logistical glitches.drivers licence
“Customers are urged to ensure that they only visit the licensing centres with a valid appointment to renew their driving licence and in possession of an optometrist’s certificate.
“This arrangement is meant to ensure that customers are catered for while we keep a proper following distance.”
He said services that would be rendered at the identified licensing centres were renewal of driving licence cards, application and testing for learners’ licences and the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.
Motorists said they felt very safe and protected at the Centurion station because of the “no-nonsense” restrictions by security officers.
Security limited the number of people who went to the various sections of services. Most of the people queued outside.
Most motorists said although they were allowed to be on the road with expired driving licences, they didn’t feel comfortable.
Read the full story on: IOL.