New driver's licence and testing centre opens in Uniondale

UNIONDALE NEWS - George Mayor Leon van Wyk officially opened a new driver's licence and testing centre in Uniondale on Monday 29 May.

Van Wyk said this brings huge relief for citizens of Uniondale and Haarlem, who previously had to travel about 120km to George to obtain their learner's licences.

Renewal of driver's licences and professional driving permits will also be offered by the centre.

He was accompanied by the councillors of Uniondale and Haarlem, Justin Fry (Ward 24) and Jarques Esau (Ward 25), municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz, director of Community Services Dawie Adonis, and officials from the National Department of Transport, Western Cape Department of Mobility and George Municipality, particularly Uniondale and surrounds.

Representatives from key partners and stakeholders such as the ward committees, local schools, the police, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), churches, Uniondale Business Chamber and driving schools also attended.

Reflecting on the journey that was travelled to merge George, Uniondale and Haarlem, Van Wyk said it was a challenge to have Uniondale and Haarlem as part of the George Municipality, particularly pertaining to the financial responsibilities.

"At the time, we did not receive sufficient financial support from National Government to be able to deliver services successfully for both George and Uniondale."

Van Wyk thanked everyone who worked together to provide this facility to residents.

The Uniondale driver's licence and testing centre can be reached on 044 752 1024 during office hours.

Stakeholders attending the opening of the centre.

Services to be provided:

Renewal of driver's licences and PrDPs
Application, writing and issuing of learner's licences.

Operational times:

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday: Learner's class
Thursday: All applications for learners licences and renewal of driver's licenses and PrDPs

Transactions already provided:

motor vehicle registration AND renewal of vehicle licenses
change of ownership
de-registration of motor-vehicles
issuing of permits (special permits and temporary permits)
duplicate registrations
personalised and special licence number plates
motor-trade numbers
change of particulars
issuing request information on a vehicle or a person
export of a motor vehicle to another country
exemptions of motor-vehicles
issuing of police clearances
transactions to be authorised by Western Cape Government.

Cutting the ribbon. From the left are Dawie Adonis (director of Community Services), municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz, Clr Justin Fry (Ward 24), Clr Jarques Esau (Ward 25), Mayor Leon van Wyk, Charlton Majiedt (Department Mobility - WCG), Janine Wells (manager: Traffic Services), Randal Barreiro (Department Mobility - WCG) and Japie Mobele (deputy director: Driving Licence Standards - National Department of Transport).