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The Citizen
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Expect delays when applying for driver's licences: SA's only card printer still broken
Expect delays when applying for driver's licences: SA's only card printer still broken Motorists have been warned about delays when applying for new and renewed driver's licences, as the country's only card printer is still broken, Pretoria Rekord reports. According to the National Department of Transport, the machine used to print the cards has been broken since February. Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba said it could take several weeks before the machine is fully operational. 'Ordinarily, a licence card application takes between six to eight weeks to be issued. Drivers are advised to apply for their driving licence renewal before they expire, to enable them to qualify for a three-month grace period,' he said. He said those who have already applied for licence cards can present proof of the renewal application to law enforcement officers if they are pulled over while driving. 'The other option is to apply for a temporary driving licence, which is valid for six months,' Bokaba said. According to The Citizen, the licence card printing machine is 26 years old and has had almost 160 breakdowns, which have become more frequent. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy's spokesperson Collen Msibi told the publication that the department is working on repairing the machine should be running again by mid-May. Outa has recently written to Creecy, requesting urgent feedback on the ongoing breakdown of the licence card printing machine. 'Motorists are once again being subjected to delays and inconvenience due to the ongoing failures of this outdated system. The Department must explain why the machine is not operational, despite previous repairs and maintenance contracts,' Outa's CEO Wayne Duvenage said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Tshwane warns of licence card delays amid national printer failure
Motorists in Tshwane have been warned of significant delays in receiving their driving licence cards due to a technical failure affecting the only licence card printer in the country. The City of Tshwane confirmed that all its licensing centres are impacted by the issue, which has halted the issuance of new and renewed licence cards. According to the National Department of Transport, the breakdown has left the country without an operational driving licence card printer since February 2025. Technicians are working to restore functionality, but there is no clear indication of when the machine will be fully operational. Under normal circumstances, licence cards are issued within six to eight weeks. With the national machine out of service, this timeframe is expected to significantly increase, frustrating drivers relying on their cards for mobility and compliance. The city has advised motorists to act proactively. 'Drivers are advised to apply for their driving licence renewal before they expire, to enable them to qualify for a three-month grace period,' the City of Tshwane said. If pulled over, those already in the system but awaiting cards can present proof of renewal to traffic officers. In response to the disruption, the city encourages residents to apply for temporary driving licences. These are valid for six months and allow drivers to remain compliant while waiting for their permanent cards. Motorists have been reassured that communication will continue as the situation evolves. 'Residents will be kept abreast of the developments,' the city stated. An apology was also issued: 'The City apologises for the inconvenience that these delays may cause to the motorists.' With no firm repair timeline, Tshwane and its residents must navigate the uncertainty with limited options. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
