Good morning my expat gumdrops,
from the depths of my soul, I have come to humbly ask for your advice. I have no place to turn to anymore, due to varying answers from disapproving officials who do not care what happens to me or anyone else for that matter, as you may all know.
This fiasco started when I finally obtained a Life Partner Permit with a Work Endorsement (which is immediately converted to a Visitor's Visa under section 11 (2) or so I understood) before the new regulations were set in in Feb 2014.
I never obtained a driver's license in my country of origin, so I was hoping to help my fiance out and become a capable driver. Upon visiting the Licensing Department, we were sent away because "I could not apply for a Learner's License on my current visa". Distraught and upset, we seeked advice from DHA and Immigration Officers, which both confirmed that there should be no issue in me booking for a Learner's License Test.
The second time we visited the Licensing Department, we were shouted at and sent away once again, after which we promptly spoke to the manager.
The managed was a slow-witted lady, and after explaining to us that we can indeed apply for a Learner's License, she told us that I must obtain a Traffic Register Number.
Now my South African fiance and I were already aware of this, but what she told us next was simply incomprehensible.
She told me that I *must* register a car in my name upon which they can ONLY THEN issue me a Traffic Register Number.
Why in the world would anyone obtain a car before they can drive legally?!
A second car would not be beneficial to our financial situation just for the purpose of me obtaining a Traffic Register Number. Is the manager out of her mind? Am I truly legally not allowed to obtain a Traffic Register Number without owning a vehicle?
And as many of you know, getting around in South Africa is not easy without a driver's license. In the case of an emergency, should my fiance not be around or unable to drive, what must one do?
Any thoughts or advice on our situation is welcome. I am half expecting the Licensing Department staff to be asking for money under the table, but this is not our way of dealing with things. I am once again disappointed, and desperate for some reassuring answers that all of this a big misunderstanding, before my sanity is compromised.
Thank you so much in advance!