Proposed driving licence extension open for public comment
The South African Department of Transport has proposed extending the validity of driving licence cards for light vehicles and motorcycles from five to 10 years. The move aims to reduce administrative backlogs, though it has sparked debate regarding road safety and potential fee adjustments.
Why it matters
Changes to licensing regulations impact millions of motorists and raise questions about the balance between administrative efficiency and public safety.
South African motorists could soon have to renew their driving licence cards only once every 10 years.
This follows draft amendments published for public comment by the Department of Transport, which would extend the validity of driving licence cards for light vehicles and motorcycles from five to 10 years.
The change could reduce queues at Driving Licence Testing Centres and save motorists time and money by halving the frequency of renewals. The amendments would also clarify that a driving licence remains valid indefinitely unless revoked, separating a motorist's legal right to drive from the validity period of the physical card.
However, several aspects of the proposal have raised concerns.
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