By Marcus Moloko
South Africa is preparing to bid farewell to its five‑year driver’s licence cards, with the Department of Transport confirming that validity will be extended to eight years.
The announcement was made in December 2025 by Director‑General Mathabatha Mokonyama, who told Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure that the country will move to an eight‑year driving licence.
The decision follows years of debate over the administrative burden and costs associated with frequent renewals.
Minister Barbara Creecy previously expressed support for the change, noting that ordinary motorists should benefit from longer validity periods, while drivers of heavy vehicles and passenger carriers may still face shorter renewal cycles for safety reasons.
Currently, South African licences remain valid for five years, a period shorter than most international standards.
The Department of Transport included the proposal in its 2025/26 annual performance plan, aiming to publish a notice in the Government Gazette for public comment. However, delays have meant that no Gazette notice has yet been issued, raising concerns about whether the legislative process will be completed before the end of the financial year.
For motorists, the change promises fewer renewals, reduced queues, and lower long‑term costs. Until implementation, however, drivers must continue renewing every five years.
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