The National Transport Medical Institute will open a new appointment system for driving licence medical examinations from tomorrow, and says booking a slot will carry no charge.
NTMI Chairman Professor Clifford Perera said the digital system for issuing the medical certificates required to obtain a driving licence comes into effect on 24 September, NewsFirst reported.
How it is meant to work
Under the new method, applicants can reserve an appointment for a medical examination from any telephone network. Prof. Perera said no fee will be charged for reserving a date and time.
He added that steps will be taken in future to increase the number of appointment slots available through the system.
Why the medical matters
The NTMI is the body that issues medical fitness certificates for driving licences. A certificate is required by applicants for light vehicle licences, applicants for heavy vehicle licences, and drivers renewing an existing licence — making it a compulsory step for a large share of motorists rather than a one-off for new drivers.
Appointment availability at NTMI branches has been a long-standing friction point for licence applicants, who must also separately secure a Department of Motor Traffic appointment.
Caveats
NewsFirst is the only verified newsroom to have reported the announcement so far, and several practical details are missing: the report does not give the number to call, say whether the system covers all NTMI branches, state how many slots are available, or explain how it differs from the institute’s existing booking arrangements. The medical examination fee itself is unaffected — the “no fee” statement refers only to making the reservation.
We have not independently verified that the service went live as described; readers should confirm with the NTMI before travelling to a branch.
