The City of Cape Town is set to pilot a cashless payment system at three Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) from 1 October 2026.

The pilot project will be introduced at the Brackenfell, Fish Hoek and Strand DLTCs.

The City operates 18 DLTCs across Cape Town, which process thousands of transactions each month. These include traffic fine payments, learner’s and driving licence applications, driving licence card renewals and replacements, as well as applications for Public Driving Permits (PrDPs).

At present, motorists can make payments using both cash and cards. However, the three selected centres will test a fully cashless system from October.

The City says the move could reduce the risks associated with handling cash, while also reducing the workload involved in reconciling payments and the risk of revenue theft and cash collection fees.

It is also expected to support the City’s broader digital transformation efforts and improve service delivery.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says the pilot will help determine whether a cashless system could eventually be introduced at all DLTCs.

“The City is moving towards more digital resources, to try and improve our customer experience and service delivery in general. Cashless transactions are one such development.”

Smith says the City is also looking at other ways to streamline operations at its driving licence testing centres.

He points to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s online appointment system pilot in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape as an example of a development that could benefit Cape Town.

“Such a system would be a game changer here in Cape Town.”

He also welcomed the recent announcement that driver’s licence cards will eventually be valid for 10 years instead of the current five-year period.

Smith says this change could help reduce pressure on DLTCs once it is implemented.