Tonga's drivers queue for new licences [1]
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 12:14. Updated on Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 15:35.
Long queues of drivers are waiting at Tonga's Ministry of Transport today in Nuku'alofa to get their new driver's licence cards for 2010 that are being issued under a computerised system launched by the Ministry of Transport in Nuku'alofa on January 12.
"We are not sure we can process everyone in the queue before the end of the day," a staff member told new applicants coming in this morning. A queue numbering system has also been introduced for the people waiting.
Long queues were found in Neiafu, Vava'u, this week.
The new driver's licence is similar to that of New Zealand driver's licence and replaces the former small paper book.
Under the new computerised system drivers' licences are issued on the same day they are paid, but the applicant must lodge their application with the Transport Office.
New drivers have to pass a learner's test, including theory and practical before a licence is issued.
Existing drivers can renew their licence at the office where personal details are entered into the new system, a picture is taken, and cards are issued.
The licensing department formerly under the Ministry of Police was moved to the Transport last year. The installation of the new system was funded by an NZAID grant of $500,000 pa'anga.
This year fee for a driver's licence for private vehicle is $60 and for passenger vehicle $120.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is planning to outsource the Warrrant of Fitness testing starting from April. The ministry took over the responsibility for warrant of fitness testing from the Ministry of Works and the warrant fees are now calculated on the weight of a vehicle, ranging from $100 per annum for a car to $300 per annum for a heavy vehicle.