Gauteng opens Sandton Smart DLTC to curb bribery and cut queues

Gauteng’s Department of Roads and Transport has opened a new Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) at Gautrain Sandton Station, a cashless, appointment-only facility the province says will stamp out fraudulent licence applications and shorten long queues.

‘No bribes’ cashless, tech-driven centre

Speaking at the launch, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale‑Tlabela said the centre provides a cashless service and relies on technology and security to prevent fraud.

“This is a cashless service. This is where you can’t bribe. We are depending highly on technology here, including the security around. People will not be able to do fraudulent licence applications,”

She warned young motorists against buying licences illegally and highlighted the consequences of arrests.

“If you are doing it the wrong way, you will be arrested. Being arrested is having a criminal record against your name, and that risks you being able to participate in the economy. Because when you get a job, they do check your criminal record,”

Services, hours and what to expect

The Sandton Smart DLTC is described as offering a full range of licensing services, including renewals, duplicates, PrDP applications, vehicle registration, licence disc renewals and AARTO infringement payments. The centre operates on weekdays and Saturdays and uses advanced digital enrolment and cashless payment systems that the department says enable licence renewals in about 10 minutes.

Services at the centre are strictly appointment-based, which the department says eliminates intermediaries and promotes transparent, corruption-free delivery. The model also includes the deployment of law enforcement officials at the centres to uphold integrity and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.

Part of a broader rollout

The Sandton facility becomes the seventh Smart DLTC in Gauteng, joining other centres at malls and Gautrain stations across the province. Diale‑Tlabela framed the opening as part of the department’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and responsive public service.

“We are handing over this facility to the people of Gauteng for your benefit and convenience. We encourage you to make full use of the services available here,”

What the department is urging residents to do

Diale‑Tlabela urged residents to avoid corrupt practices and to use the services at the new centre rather than seeking illegal routes to obtain licences.

“Please don’t buy, don’t bribe, do it the right way,”