WATCH: Driving schools vent anger over online booking system

Members of the association said the online booking system is having a negative impact on driving schools

February 17, 2021

Tayla Smit 2 minutes read

The Boksburg Driving Schools Association held a peaceful protest in front of the Boksburg Licensing Department.

Members of The Boksburg Driving Schools Association barricaded the entrance of the Boksburg Licensing Department on February 15 to voice their frustration over the online booking system for driver’s and learner’s licences.

According to the chairperson of the association, Zyuton Lancaster, and Jack Moodley, spokesperson of the association, driving schools are frustrated as they are struggling to get driver’s and learner’s licence booking slots for clients.

“We’re supposed to secure bookings on Tuesdays but then there are no slots available. We were also notified that booking slots will be open from 8am until 8pm; however, it’s not happening. The system is always glitching. At the end of the day, we have to stay up after midnight as it’s the only time we manage to make bookings. I want to know why there are slots available at midnight when bookings should be closed by 8pm,” Lancaster said.

Lancaster said the organisation wants the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to release dates on a daily basis.
“We are losing business, and clients are calling us thieves. They say there are dates available, but these dates are only released after midnight.

“We want to stop this now. We want the dates to be released every day otherwise no test will take place here in Boksburg. We’re not completely opposed to the online system, we just need them to address the issues. We wouldn’t mind if they bring back the walk-in system while keeping the online system. This way, community members can choose how they want to make a booking,” she added.

She pointed out the problem regarding the online booking system is affecting the entire City of Ekurhuleni.
The chairperson added the organisation will hand over a memorandum to RTMC soon, adding they will hold a bigger protest if they don’t hear a response from the relevant stakeholders within a week.

One of the protesters and owner of Govan’s Driving School, Govan Mulea, said the online booking system is having a negative effect on his business.

“The online booking system is killing our businesses. We’re fighting with our clients. They do not trust us anymore as we’re unable to get booking slots for them. We have been struggling with the online system since June last year. Furthermore, some people don’t have access to the internet to make online bookings.

“We also want the minister of transport, Fikile Mbalula, to assist us like he helped taxi drivers,” he said.

Members of the EMPD were also on the scene.

The Advertiser is still awaiting comment from the metro.