By Motshwari Mofokeng
South African motorists are set to benefit from fewer trips to driving licence testing centres after Cabinet approved plans to extend the validity period of driver’s licences for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years.
The decision applies to Codes A, A1, B and EB, which include motorcycles and light motor vehicles. However, drivers of heavy commercial vehicles, public transport vehicles and Professional Driving Permit (PDP) holders will continue to renew their licences under the current two- or five-year system.
Although the announcement has been welcomed by many motorists, the changes will only come into effect once Parliament approves the necessary amendments to the law. Until then, drivers must continue renewing licences every five years.
The move follows years of frustration caused by long queues, system delays and repeated breakdowns of South Africa’s only driver’s licence card printing machine, which left hundreds of thousands of motorists waiting for renewed cards.
Government says the new system will reduce pressure on licensing centres while preparations continue for a digital driver’s licence. The planned electronic licence, available through the MyMzanzi smartphone application, will allow motorists to renew online and present a QR code during traffic stops, making the process faster, more convenient and helping reduce fraud.
email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
