In South Africa, drivers are required to undergo an eye test every time they renew their copyright, which occurs every five years. This eye test is mandatory and can be done at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) or by an optometrist.
A full driving test is not generally required unless specific circumstances arise. For example, if a copyright is revoked due to serious traffic offenses or medical reasons, the driver may need to retake both the learner's and driving tests.
Additionally, if a driver wishes to upgrade their license to include a different class of vehicle, such as moving from a Code B (car) to a Code C (truck), they must pass the appropriate driving test for that vehicle category.
Although there is no specific age at which drivers must retake the full driving test, older drivers may be subject to more frequent eye tests or medical assessments if there are concerns about their fitness to drive.
So that means as long as drivers renew their licenses every five years and pass the required eye test, they typically do not need to retake the full driving test.
Remember that eNatis (Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System) and the local traffic department have distinct but complementary roles in managing and regulating road traffic and licensing.
eNatis:
National System: eNatis is a centralized, national database and information system managed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). It holds and processes information related to vehicles, drivers, and traffic laws across the country.
Data Management: It records and tracks all vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, traffic offenses, and other traffic-related data. This ensures a standardized and consistent approach to managing road traffic information nationwide.
Online Services: eNatis provides an online platform where users can perform various functions, such as booking driver’s license renewal appointments, checking the status of a license, or applying for vehicle registrations.
Coordination: It helps coordinate between different provinces and local authorities by maintaining a centralized database that all traffic departments can access.
Local Traffic Department:
Service Delivery: The local traffic department is responsible for the practical implementation of traffic laws and services within a specific municipality or region. This includes drivers licence conducting driver’s license tests, renewing licenses, issuing learner’s permits, and registering vehicles.
Law Enforcement: Local traffic departments enforce traffic laws, manage road safety, and issue fines for traffic violations. They are on the ground, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
Customer Interaction: They interact directly with the public, providing in-person services like vehicle inspections, license renewals, and handling queries related to traffic offenses.
Local Operations: While eNatis provides the system and database, the local traffic department handles the day-to-day operations and service delivery to residents within their jurisdiction.
In summary, eNatis functions as the central, national database and system for managing traffic-related information, while the local traffic department handles the practical, on-the-ground application of traffic services, law enforcement, and customer service within their specific areas.