The South African government is moving ahead with plans to extend driving licence validity to 10 years after Cabinet approved scrapping the current five-year renewal period.
The change will apply to Code A, A1, B and EB licences.
However, drivers of heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will continue to follow the current two (2)- or five (5)-year renewal periods.
Meanwhile Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) will still need to be renewed every two (2) years.
The extension is not effective immediately.
Government first needs to amend the relevant legislation before the new rules can take effect.
Until then, motorists must continue renewing their driving licence cards under the current five-year system.
Addressing the media after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the change “requires legislative amendments” and motorists “must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect.”
According to government, extending the validity period will bring South Africa closer to international standards, make the licensing system more efficient and reduce the number of renewals motorists have to complete. Ntshavheni said the move will “enhance administrative efficiency”, “reduce the frequency of renewals for motorists” and ease pressure on licensing centres.
