South Africa’s Cabinet has approved a policy change that will extend the validity period of light vehicle driving licences from five to ten years, marking a significant shift in the country’s road safety regulations. The decision, announced by the Department of Transport, aims to reduce the administrative burden on motorists while maintaining safety standards. Drivers will now be required to renew their licences every decade instead of every five years, a move that has been described as a practical adjustment based on real-world data and public feedback.
The policy change follows a review of current licence renewal processes, which many drivers found cumbersome and time-consuming. The new system will apply to all light vehicle licences, including those for cars and motorcycles. Officials emphasized that the extended validity period does not compromise road safety, as it is supported by statistical analysis showing that drivers remain competent for longer periods. The Department of Transport has also stated that it will continue to monitor the impact of the change and may adjust the policy if necessary.
The decision has been welcomed by some motorists, who see it as a relief from frequent renewals. However, there are concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy in the long term. The policy is expected to take effect in early 2025, with further details to be released in the coming weeks (iol.co.za).
