NaTIS aims to better customer service
The Ministry of Transport plans to modernise its services for drivers and introduce an electronic, digital driver's licence, as well as a 30-minute computer-based test for learner's permits."We are now introducing electronic driver's licenses that can be stored on devices such as mobile phones to avoid unnecessary fines, which can also lead to overloading of the district courts," transport minister Veikko Nekundi told the National Assembly in a statement last week.
The computer-based tests for obtaining a learner's licence are intended to reduce the high rate of candidate failures, which is allegedly deliberately caused at NaTIS offices. However, candidates can still take these tests in person if they wish.
He said that the driver's licence test would soon be automated, however Nekundi did not provide any details.
Appointments for various NaTIS services will also soon be available online.
"The new measures are intended to reduce long queues and waiting times, avoidable travel costs, frustration, corruption, and potential fraud," Nekundi explained.
A NaTIS office will soon be built in the northwestern residential area of Wanaheda in Windhoek, and negotiations for a suitable site are already underway, Nekundi said. The minister also announced that at the end of September, 419 716 vehicles and 379 023 drivers were registered nationwide. In addition, approximately 140 000 NaTIS transactions are carried out monthly, generating revenue of approximately N$87 million.