Having just walked away from our local Traffic Department empty handed and a little disappointed we decided to draw up a list of everything you can do to make the trip a success.
There is nothing more infuriating than going online, getting a list of documentation, standing in a long queue and then finally getting to the front only to find out you don’t have everything you need. We have literally just been there!
There are a number of other small frustrations that come with visiting your local Traffic Department too. In our comprehensive list, we have a solution for nearly every problem you may encounter so take notes and don’t become one of the many people stuck in frustration town.
- Go overboard with the documents you may need. Rather be overprepared than under. Make sure you have the following to cover all the basics:
– Your original Green Barcode Identity Book
– A certified copy of said ID book (within the last 3 months)
– A proof of address, no older than 3 months
– You can have a copy of your lease and a signed letter from the landlord stating your address (the letter should be dated within the last 3 months as well)
– Up-to-date ID photos have at least 4 in black and white. You might not need them but just to be safe, take some.
– Eye Test Certificate (no guarantee that the office won’t make you do it again) - Take a black pen and a spare just in case someone borrows yours.
- Take a bottle of water and a snack, you will mostly be standing so keep your energy up. No point in getting ‘Hangry’.
- Take a form of entertainment that isn’t digital, like a book or a portable charger to keep your phone alive.
- Wear sunblock, cool clothing and a hat in the summer. Dress warm and have an umbrella in winter.
- Having tissues, hand wipes or sanitiser on hand helps for bathroom trips and cleaning the eye test machine.
- Make a buddy in the line who will keep your spot should you need a toilet break and also tell everyone around you that you are going to the loo, just to avoid those awkward ‘pushing-in’ glares you get when you return.
- Take extra cash, just in case. Some places have card facilities but call ahead to confirm that they are online. Taking cash is the safest option and have about R200.00 more than you think you may need.
- If you have one of those cool fold-out chairs, bonus! Expect lots of standing.
- Leave your kids at home, they will be even more frustrated than you and in less time too.
- Try to go as early in the morning as possible, most places stop taking payments at 15:30 pm.
- Go to the department about 3 to 4 days before payday, most people don’t have money just before payday so it will likely be a quicker trip then.
- Go into the entire experience knowing it will take long, think a minimum of 3-hours, this way you avoid feeling frustrated.
- Don’t be that annoying person in the line that complains the whole time, nobody likes that person… be lekker!
We thought of all these tips while waiting in a line and failing! What are some of the tips we missed? Let us know your traffic department hacks in the comment section and we will add them.
Best of luck everyone!
by 