Although the new driving licence testing centre (DLTC) has been operational for a few months already, the official launch took place on 30 November.
For years, the DLTC shared premises with the Atlantis Fire and Rescue Service and Disaster Risk Management.
“It was a tight squeeze for far too long and we dealt with complaints from the public, but also staff from the various departments who were at times hampered in the effective execution of their duties because there was simply too much going on and not enough space to do it in,” said the City’s Mayco member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In February 2012, a vacant property close to the existing DLTC (old ABSA bank site) that proved suitable for a driving licence testing centre and a base from which to facilitate traffic operations for deployment of traffic officers. In addition, the 4 841 m² would also easily accommodate a test track for motorcycles and light motor vehicles.
The facility was completed at a total cost of just over R10,1 million which included acquiring the building from the previous owner and refurbishing it in line with the needs of a driving licence testing centre. It will accommodate 20 administrative staff members, six driving licence examiners, and 20 traffic officers.
“We are committed to providing quality facilities and services to our clients. Our list of priorities doesn’t always align with the available budget, but we are trying our utmost to do as much as possible with the resources apportioned to the directorate. I trust the Atlantis community will enjoy the new facilities and that the service will meet their expectations,” said Smith.
The waiting time for appointments once hovered at six to 12 months, it is now down to only two weeks at Atlantis.
