UPDATE: The RTMC says: "All 38 DLTC's in Gauteng Province have set aside dedicated resources and will assist any person who is 60 years and older on Wednesdays ONLY.
"If you go to the DLTC on any other day, then you must have a booking."
Many senior citizens and motorists have been perplexed about renewing licences during the pandemic, mostly because they have feared leaving the safety of their homes.
With limited slots available on the NaTIS online system, motorists of all ages have been extremely frustrated. And, with Covid-19 numbers picking up again, there's more than enough reason to be stressed about renewing your vehicle or driver's licence.
However, those Gauteng motorists who meet the requirement are exempted from using the online system - only on Wednesdays. The Road Traffic Management Corporation has reminded those who are 60 years and older, do not need to use the digital booking systems, so they don't need an online appointment for licence renewals but only one day in the week. If you go on any other day, you will then need a booking.
While many senior citizens have been turned away or denied this exemption, if you are 60 years old, or older, motorists can 'walk-in' to driving licence testing centres for renewals without any appointments, but only on Wednesdays at any of the 38 DLTC stations.
The RTMC's Kevin Kara-Vala says: "With regard to the senior citizens: the system has been programmed to allow the renewal of a driving licence card for any person over the age of 60 for walk-ins. If you are under 60 the system will validate that you did make a booking before allowing the renewal.
"It comes down to heterogenous operations and queue management at different DLTCs. We have seen that some have indicated specific days on which they will assist the elderly."
"No special system requirements are in place for vehicle licence renewals but generally centre managers have implemented processes where the elderly, as well as pregnant women, can be assisted quickly."
READ: Driving with J9 | Why motorists can't book an online licence appointment and what to do
Licence centres in the Western Cape do not use the online system for driver's licence renewals; however, most centres have special queues to assist the elderly. It is important to note that this does not apply to all centres; mostly were resources are limited.
It's also important to note that you can't send someone else on your behalf to renew your driver's licence as biometrics are required for renewal. Third parties are only allowed for vehicle licence renewals.
The RTMC also says on its website that the management of slots opened by DLTC's are now system driven: "In order to ensure fair access and opportunity to all, slots that are opened will be made available from 08:00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening.
"DLTC's have been instructed to adhere to the 'days' they indicate that slots will be opened, and the system will ensure that these slots are released in batches and at random times.