For Capetonians looking to book their learner’s licence or driving tests, the City’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee has given them a useful heads up.
Some driving test centres have a quick turnaround, while others could see applicants waiting for weeks and even months.
Thus the City is urging residents to check waiting times at its different Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) before booking their appointments.
This simple step could help applicants secure an earlier slot, while also reducing pressure on oversubscribed centres.
The City operates 18 DLTCs, which handle learner’s and driver’s licence tests, fine payments, Public Driving Permit applications, and licence (card) renewals.
Between October and December 2024, these centres processed 17 087 driver’s licence tests and 18 171 learner’s licence tests.
Turnaround times
While this may seem like a significant number of licences processed, the waiting times varied significantly.
At the end of 2024, the average wait was 25 days for a learner’s licence appointment, and 37 days for a driving licence test appointment.
However with a bit of shopping around, licencees can save themselves a lot of hassle. For example, Goodwood’s turnaround time for a driving licence was 89 days, while Lingelethu West was just ONE DAY.
Bellrail in Bellville meanwhile was 10 days.
“Waiting times for learner’s and driving licence tests fluctuate, based on the demand,” said Safety and Security Portfolio Committee Chair, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.
“But in the reports submitted to the Portfolio Committee, it is clear that some of our DLTCs are oversubscribed, while others have almost immediate availability,”
Waiting times are updated weekly on the City of Cape Town’s website. Applicants can decide whether they are happy to wait a month or two, or if they want to take advantage of an earlier slot at a different centre.
When applicants arrive at a DLTC to book an appointment, they are required to provide all relevant forms, photographs and proof of ID.
An online appointment system has been piloted in some provinces. However, applicants still need to go to the centre in person, to submit the required documentation, within two – three days
To check waiting times and any other information relating to DLTCs, click here.
How long did you have to wait for your learner’s/ driver’s test appointment?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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