TRA:We’ll issue drivers’ licences soon
What you need to know:
“We experienced a shortage of raw materials;which is why we failed to print new drivers’ licences photo cards. However, as I am speaking, we have already purchased the materials and the printing process will start as early as next week,” TRA Director of Taxpayer Services and Education, Mr Richard Kayombo, said on Thursday, November 2, when contacted by The Citizen over telephone.
Dar es Salaam.The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) will start issuing drivers’ licences photo cards next week.
“We experienced a shortage of raw materials;which is why we failed to print new drivers’ licences photo cards. However, as I am speaking, we have already purchased the materials and the printing process will start as early as next week,” TRA Director of Taxpayer Services and Education, Mr Richard Kayombo, said on Thursday, November 2, when contacted by The Citizen over telephone.
“Motorists could now obtain driver’s licences within one week. We took these measures to enable motorists, especially those engaged in the transport business, to continue delivering the best services to the general public,” he added.
The move followed complaints over the long process of issuing the drivers’ licences, which was also considered tedious.
“It has been two weeks now since I renewed my driver’s licence, but I have not received it. Previously it took only three days to get it,” said a taxi driver, who sought anonymity,when speaking to The Citizen on Thursday, November 2.
He added: “As a result, I am now forced to pay fines for driving without a license; this is unacceptable.”
When reached for comment, the Head of Police Traffic Department, SACP Fortunatus Musilimu, stated that “it is good news because the Road Traffic Act requires drivers to have driving licence photo cards and not receipts. Our job as police is to test the drivers and make sure they qualify to obtain driving licences, while TRA handles the process of issuance of driving licence.”
He added: “All qualified drivers must have their driving licences. Therefore, we will consider taking legal action against drivers who don’t have driving licences.”
Mr Muslim further established that the Insurance Act also required motorists to have driving license, urging drivers to obtain their license in a bid to be able to secure compensation when they face road accident.
