Some good news for South African motorists, for a change!

There is finally some good news for South African motorists, For a change!

In a country where fuel prices seem to have a gym membership and only know how to go up, Cabinet has approved plans to extend the validity period of driving licence cards for light motor vehicles and motorcycles from five years to 10 years.

However, the change is not yet in effect. It still needs to go through the legislative process before becoming law. Until then, motorists must continue renewing their licence cards every five years as required.

The extension will apply to licence holders with Codes A, A1, B and EB, covering motorcycles and most private light motor vehicles.

For many residents in the Komati area who travel daily for work, this change is expected to reduce the cost and inconvenience of frequent licence renewals once it is implemented.

The new rules do not affect heavy commercial vehicle drivers. Drivers of trucks and other heavy vehicles operating in and around Komati, including those transporting coal, construction materials and goods, will continue to follow the existing renewal requirements for their licence categories. Likewise, Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs), required by many truck, bus and taxi drivers, will still need to be renewed every two years.

– OUTA CEO, Wayne Duvenage

” if the minister and the Presidency really wanted to, it could be fast-tracked into the next couple of months, depending on how quickly the Presidency finalises the necessary legal process.”

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) says the new 10-year licence validity could become a reality within the next few months, depending on how quickly the Presidency finalises the necessary legal process. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage said the legislative amendments are a routine step before the change can take effect. “If the minister and the Presidency really wanted to, it could be fast-tracked into the next couple of months,” he said, adding that the process may still require a period of public consultation.

Motorists must still renew now;

If your driving licence card is due to expire, you should continue to renew it at your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre. You will need your current driving licence card, your South African ID, ID photographs, and you must complete an eye test (or provide a valid optometrist’s eye test certificate). If your new card is not ready before your current one expires, you may need to apply for a temporary driving licence.