Cabinet has approved the extension of the validity period for driving licences for Codes A, A1, B and EB from five years to 10 years. The change will apply only to light motor vehicles, while heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will continue to follow the current two or five-year renewal periods. Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) will also remain valid for two years before renewal.
Government says the decision aligns South Africa with international best practice, improves administrative efficiency and reduces the burden on motorists by cutting the number of licence renewals required. It is also expected to ease pressure on licensing centres by reducing demand for renewal services.
The extended validity period will only come into effect once the necessary legislative amendments have been passed. Until then, motorists are still required to renew their driving licence cards according to the current five year validity period if they expire.
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