South Africa’s already-strained driving test system is now facing one of its worst bottlenecks in recent years. Reports from multiple provinces confirm that learner drivers are waiting up to 10 months to secure a test booking — a delay that is causing widespread frustration, lost job opportunities, and a growing backlog at testing centres across the country.
Booking Nightmares for Learners
For many aspiring drivers, especially youth and jobseekers, getting a driving licence is more than a rite of passage — it’s a necessity. But in provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Eastern Cape, the road to legal driving has turned into a waiting game.
Several applicants have shared stories of attempting to book online every day, only to find no available slots. Walk-ins are either turned away or advised to return months later. In one case, a Johannesburg resident reported a waiting period of 42 weeks — nearly a year — just to secure a slot for a driving test.
What’s Causing the Delay?
According to officials from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the long delays stem from a combination of factors. These include:
- Staff shortages at licensing and testing centres
- Technical issues with the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) booking platform
- COVID-19 backlog spillover, which has not been fully resolved
- Increased demand from first-time drivers and re-test applicants
Despite attempts to ramp up capacity, the system is struggling to keep up.
Impact on Young Job Seekers
Driving has become a crucial skill in the modern job market. Many entry-level roles in retail, logistics, and security require a valid licence. For job seekers without access to one, particularly in townships and rural areas, the delay has become a barrier to economic opportunity.
Thabiso Molefe, a 22-year-old graduate from Durban, shared how the backlog cost him a job offer. “They needed someone who could drive immediately. I had the learner’s licence, but no way to get tested in time,” he said.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
While provincial transport departments acknowledge the issue, action has been slow. Some officials have suggested that evening and weekend testing hours could be added to ease the load. Others have floated the idea of mobile testing units to reach underserved communities.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has said the government is “exploring solutions” and promised a system audit to identify gaps. However, no concrete national rollout plan has been shared so far.
Tech Isn’t Helping Enough
Online systems were expected to simplify bookings, but users often complain about glitches. Pages time out, slots vanish in seconds, and many rural residents lack the internet access needed to book at all.
“There’s no point in saying it’s digital if it’s not accessible,” noted a community organiser from Limpopo, where some learners must travel over 60km just to reach a test centre.
Possible Fixes on the Horizon?
Experts suggest a few urgent interventions:
- Fast-track training for more testing officers
- Improve transparency of available booking slots
- Use public-private partnerships to expand infrastructure
- Monitor and upgrade NaTIS platform stability
But for now, the problem persists.
Also Read:- NSFAS 2025 Update: Application Portal Glitch Fixed — Students Urged to Re-Apply
A Nation Still Waiting
Until major structural changes are made, thousands of South Africans will remain stuck in limbo — ready to drive, but unable to get behind the wheel. With road safety also at stake, the pressure is on for authorities to respond before the crisis worsens.
For learners trying to book now, the best advice remains: be patient, persistent, and prepared to wait — because this delay isn’t going away anytime soon.
