South Africa’s move to extend driving licence validity from five to 10 years has entered the public consultation phase, with motorists and stakeholders given until 16 September to submit their views on the proposed changes.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy published the draft amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations on Monday, just weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the extension.
The proposed regulations state that driving licence cards for code A1, A, B or EB licences will expire 10 years from the date they are ordered from the Card Production Facility, provided the holder applied for a new card before their current one expired.
However, heavy vehicle drivers will not benefit from the extension. Driving licence cards for code C1, C, EC1 or EC driving licences will continue to expire after five years.
Professional driving permits will also remain on a two-year renewal cycle.
Public comment period under way
The 30-day public comment period, which opened this week, gives interested parties until 16 September to provide submissions on the amendments.
Once the comment period closes, the draft regulations will undergo legal scrutiny by the Office of the State Law Adviser before final promulgation.
The Department of Transport has emphasised that motorists must continue to renew expired driving licence cards under the current five-year system until the new law takes effect.
International alignment and administrative relief
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the extension aligns with international best practice and enhances administrative efficiencies.
“The change reduces the frequency of renewals for motorists and eases service demand pressures,” Ntshavheni said when announcing cabinet’s approval.
The decision follows a study by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, which examined the feasibility of extending licence validity periods. The department had initially considered an eight-year extension before settling on the 10-year option.
Transport Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa welcomed the cabinet decision, describing it as a positive step towards reducing administrative burdens on both motorists and the licensing system.
The proposed changes apply only to light motor vehicles and motorcycles, affecting the vast majority of South Africa’s licence holders. Those who drive heavy commercial vehicles or hold professional driving permits will continue to face more frequent renewals due to safety and regulatory requirements.
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