Longer licences backed by AA
2010-02-23 19:06
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Johannesburg - The Automobile Association of SA (AA) on Tuesday offered its support for the transport department's extension of learner's licences.
"We are grateful that the ministry [of transport] has taken this decision to improve service delivery and make it more convenient for candidates to sit for their learner test and do their practical licence evaluation," said AA spokesperson Gary Ronald.
On Monday, the department announced that it would extend the validity of learner licenses from 18 months to 24. It would also expand driving testing centres' hours of operation on the weekend.
This is being done to deal with an enormous backlog of learners whose licenses are expiring but are unable to schedule tests.
"Currently many people consider obtaining a fraudulent licence due to the delays experienced in getting a test date, especially when a drivers licence is a condition of employment.
"The extended hours should reduce these delays substantially fairly quickly," said Ronald.
He said members of the public should check with their local testing centres since whether they will be open on weekends will depend on "operational demand".
- SAPA