Driving license backlog 'to be cleared by August'
The National Transport Department has confirmed the country's only driver's license printing machine is now fully functional, while also saying motorists can expect a new generation of license cards.
The machine went offline for three weeks in May after the department discovered a part replacement was needed during routine maintenance.
A further two weeks were used to test the machine before it was given the green light.
According to the department, the five-week downtime resulted in a backlog.
Spokesperson Collen Msibi says they have a plan in place to see the backlog cleared by August.
READ: Driving licence printing machine breaks down again
He says there are also plans in the near future for a rollout of upgraded driver's license cards, which will be more secure.
"The backlog is currently at 350 000 cards for the past five weeks. We must emphasise that the backlogs are dependent on the number of orders received.
"We must emphasise that the department is also currently working on the process to introduce a new driving license card as approved by Cabinet in August 2022.
"The new driving license card will be launched before the end of the current financial year, it will also bring with it new card production machines which will replace the current machine."
