KNYSNA  NEWS - The new computerised learner's licence test (CLLT) that went live on Monday 24 March has caused hiccups for small businesses and applicants who up to this point have relied on the old system for processing applications.

Nearly 100 applicants in the pipeline, some from as far away as the Eastern Cape, will have to adapt to the new system immediately - this despite the assurances they had been given that the old system would still apply, says Jenovian Arends, the owner of a small business that processes applications.

"We had already booked more than 100 applicants at the Knysna Traffic Department for the old learner's system, and we had confirmed with the office staff that our clients would be accommodated on that system," said Arends. "We driving schools gave our clients from as far away as the Eastern Cape hope that they could use the old system. They don't understand the new system. The traffic department confirmed that the new system would only be implemented next year, when the offices would be moved to a new building. Now, a month later, we are told that our applicants will be forced to write on the new system."

As no refunds are made by the municipality, Arends asked if that was fair to these applicants, and why the traffic department had not put up a notice about when the new learners system would be implemented in the first place.

Jenovian Arends

A Facebook post by the Knysna Municipality, issued on Monday 24 March, said, "The Western Cape is proud to announce the roll-out of the new computerised learner's licence test, a pioneering initiative aimed at modernising the licensing process. This innovative system officially goes live from today, 24 March, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of driver licensing in South Africa."

The CLLT is a major shift from the traditional pen-and-paper testing method.

Christopher Bezuidenhout, the Knysna Municipality's head of communications, said the implementation of the CLLT is a nationally driven initiative led by the Road Traffic Management Corporation to modernise the learner's licence testing process across South Africa. 

"The Knysna Municipality fully supports this innovation, as it enhances efficiency, reduces opportunities for corruption, and ensures a secure, standardised testing environment for all applicants. Applicants are not disadvantaged by this transition.

"The CLLT is designed to be user-friendly, available in all 11 official languages, and it provides a fairer, more transparent testing environment compared with the previous manual method. 

The traffic department is available to assist applicants to understand the process and navigate the transition smoothly," he said.

"While we acknowledge that change can bring uncertainty, this system ultimately benefits all applicants by ensuring a more secure, transparent and standardised testing process."

Bezuidenhout said the affected applicants may contact the Knysna Learner's Licence Department directly with their enquiries.

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