Update: Included Vehicle Licensing & Registration offices at end of post. Also added Gonubie Traffic Department.
I recently moved to East London for work, my first day here I had to go sort out some things at the traffic department. But I really battled to locate the traffic department.
The Buffalo City website was less than helpful. Listing several numbers and services but no address. No amount of Googling helped, and not even the Yellow Pages website could help. Alas I didn’t have a hard copy of this, although I don’t know how helpful that would have been.
I did phone the department and after being put through to the right person, was told they don’t have a physical address, they were just located at ‘Ziphunzana’, note, I heard something similar to that and Googled it without result.
So eventually I phone a friend who grew up here. After a bit of umming and ahhing he had to go on Google Maps and then direct to where it’s located. I did eventually find it, and the service was acceptable, slightly less waiting than what I experienced in Port Elizabeth, but it felt more disorganised with multiple disjointed rooms and corridors.
So for anyone looking for the Testing Centre in East London, also known as Braelyn- or Buffalo City Traffic Department, it’s located at the Ziphunazana Bypass in Braelyn, East London. See the map below for reference. At this centre you can book for driver’s (all codes) or learner’s licences, renew driver’s licences and pay traffic fines as well as do vehicle roadworthiness tests.
I believe the building below, in Oxford Street, is the location of the Vehicle Licensing centre. The windows to the right of the streetview image now have large signs in them saying Vehicle Licensing.
View Larger Map
Gonubie Traffic Department. You apparently can’t do everything at this traffic department, mainly for testing. Give them a call if you’re unsure.
And Wilsonia Traffic Department while we’re about it:
Thanks, your posting was the only way I cold find this friggin place, as you said, the website is totally useless.
Thanks again
glad I could help
Yup, this was the only helpful website I could find. Thanks
Thank you for your very helpful instructions kind sir! This is the only place on the entire world wide web with the East London Traffic department directions!! Still dont know the actual address, but we found it ok and on your guidance. East London gov dept, sort your lives out!
Hahaha, glad I was able to help.
Many thanks for your efforts, assistance & willingness to share the info! Regards, Stefan.
glad to help
Thnx a lot man. Iv been looking everywhere for this friggin adress.
hai
I just want to know what do I need to submit in order to book for a drivers license test at east London tragic department. eg sa green book, black and white I d photos….
thank you.
Hi Simo
You need a valid learner’s licence for the vehicle type you want to book for, and your green barcode ID. As for photos, check with the traffic department. You’ll need atleast one for your temporary licence.
Thanks so much this has saved me from thinking I was losing my mind on not being able to find the address.
Thank you…I am still shocked that there is no physical address… how does this happen, how does anything get delivered there etc etc… I was searching google high and low…
Is the traffic licensing department in town (Oxford Street) open on a Saturday morning? I can’t seem to find any information about operating hours on the BCM website. Thanks.
Hi Justin, I’m not sure. But I’d be surprised if it is
Awesome and useful post! Please add Wilsonia testing center, I believe it’s the best one to book your drivers test in East London:
http://goo.gl/maps/hIIr6
Thanks!
Hey Ed, thanks. Do you know what all one can do at the Wilsonia traffic department? Renewals, learners, traffic fines, drivers etc?
I’ll confirm as soon as I pop in this week ahead, cheers.
Confirmed the following services are available at Wilsonia: Vehicle licensing, learners test, driving test, eye test
Hi! Do you know how much it costs to renew your driver’s license and if you should bring your own ID photos? Thanx :)
If you need a temporary licence you must bring your own photos. Not sure what current cost is. Believe it is less than R300