South Africa moves closer to 10-year driver’s licence validity period

South African motorists are one step closer to renewing their driver’s licence cards every 10 years instead of every five, following Cabinet’s approval of proposed changes to the country’s licensing regulations.

The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni after a recent Cabinet meeting, marking a significant policy shift from earlier Department of Transport proposals that suggested extending the validity period to eight years.

Cabinet backs 10-year driver’s licence validity

If implemented, the change will double the validity period of standard driver’s licence cards from five years to 10 years.

The decision has been welcomed by motorists and civil society organisations after years of criticism over South Africa’s licence renewal system.

One of the biggest factors behind the proposal has been ongoing delays caused by the country’s single driver’s licence card-printing machine, which has repeatedly broken down and created renewal backlogs affecting hundreds of thousands of motorists.

Lobby group Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards addressing an inefficient system.

The new rules are not in effect yet

Although Cabinet has approved the proposal, motorists should note that the new 10-year validity period has not yet become law.

The change still requires formal amendments to the National Road Traffic Act regulations before it can be implemented.

Until those legal changes are finalised, the current five-year validity period remains in force.

Some licences will not qualify

The proposed extension will apply to standard driver’s licence cards only.

The following licences and permits will continue following their existing renewal cycles because of ongoing safety and medical monitoring requirements:

• Heavy commercial vehicle licences
• Public transport vehicle licences
• Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs)

These will remain subject to their current two-year or five-year renewal periods.

What to do if your driver’s licence is expiring

Motorists whose licences are due to expire should continue following the current renewal process to avoid penalties.

Renew your licence before it expires

It is recommended that you visit your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) about four weeks before your licence expires.

You’ll generally need:

• Your current driver’s licence card
• Your South African ID book or smart ID card
• An eye test at the DLTC, or a valid certificate from a private optometrist
• Two ID photographs, if required by your DLTC
• Payment of the applicable renewal fee

If your licence has already expired, you’ll also need to apply for a temporary driver’s licence, which currently costs R150.

Until the regulations are officially amended, motorists must continue renewing their driver’s licence cards every five years.

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