The failure of more than 1 500 learner drivers to keep their driving licence test appointments each month is contributing significantly to the appointment backlog at the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services Department. Statistics from June to August 2009 show a shocking level of irresponsibility.

In June, although 7 250 bookings were made for driving licence tests, 1 584 applicants failed to keep their appointments. In July, 6 294 appointments were made and 1 684 learners did not turn up, while in August, 7 019 bookings were made and 1 840 applicants failed to arrive. People who do not keep driving licence test appointments clog the system and contribute significantly to the long waiting period.

The City appeals to all applicants to honour appointments made or to inform the Testing Centres timeously of their non-availability to do the tests. If every learner driver was ethical enough to meet the commitment made or courteous enough to make alternative arrangements in good time, there would not be an appointment backlog.

Applicants who miss a test date or time forfeit all fees and are required to re-submit a new application.