The proposed change will reduce renewal frequency for motorists, but heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will retain existing renewal cycles
South African motorists are in for a good ride as they could soon renew their driving licenses far less frequently, following Cabinet’s decision to extend the validity period for light motor vehicle licenses from five to 10 years.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision on Thursday, July 30, saying the change would apply to driving licence codes A, B and EB.
“Cabinet approved the validity period of driving licences for codes A, B and EB from five years to 10 years. The 10-year renewal period will apply only to light motor vehicles,” she said.
The move is expected to ease the administrative burden on motorists while reducing pressure on the country’s driving licence renewal system.
However, the extended validity period will not apply to heavy-duty, commercial or public transport vehicles.
“Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain subject to existing two- and five-year renewal cycles, while professional driving permits will also remain on the two-year renewal cycle,” Ntshavheni said.
The government said the change is intended to bring South Africa’s licensing system closer to international best practice while improving administrative efficiency.
“The change aligns with international best practice, enhances administrative efficiencies, reduces the frequency of renewal for motorists and eases these demand pressures within the licensing system,” Ntshavheni said.
For logistics and commercial transport operators, the existing renewal requirements therefore remain unchanged. Heavy commercial vehicle drivers and professional drivers will continue to operate under the current renewal framework.
Motorists should also not expect the 10-year validity period to take effect immediately.
Ntshavheni cautioned that legislative amendments are required before the new validity period can be implemented.
“The implementation of the extended validity period requires legislative amendments. Motorists must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect,” she said.
The announcement comes as South Africa continues to face pressure on its driving licence administration system, with motorists regularly encountering delays and capacity challenges when renewing their cards.
For light vehicle owners, the proposed 10-year validity period could significantly reduce the number of times they need to visit licensing centres and complete the renewal process once the necessary legislative changes are in place.