Good news for people who have a driving licence in South Africa

The Cabinet has approved extending the validity of driving licence cards in South Africa, increasing the time between renewals from 5 to 10 years.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the extension in a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, 30 July 2026.

The validity extension applies to licence codes A, A1, B and EB. However, it will not apply to heavy vehicles.

Heavy, commercial and transport vehicles will adhere to the current renewal cycles of between two and five years, and professional licences will remain on the two-year cycle.

Ntshavheni said that this change aligns with international best practice, enhances administrative efficiency, and reduces the frequency of renewal for motorists.

She added that the change will ease pressure within the licensing system, which is good news for motorists.

It should be noted that these amendments have not yet been processed and published in the Government Gazette.

Until such time, motorists are still required to adhere to the current five-year validity period and ensure their expired cards are renewed.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) said that it was a long-overdue approval of ten-year driving licence cards for light motor vehicles.

“This decision is almost six years overdue, but it is a victory for motorists and for common sense,” OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage said.

“Government has finally accepted that forcing motorists through an inefficient renewal system every five years wastes time and money.”

OUTA researched driving licence validity periods in 35 countries across six regions and found an average validity period of 8.5 years.

“In June 2021, we also surveyed 3,685 motorists about their experiences with the renewal system,” Duvenage said.

65% reported frustration with the ineffective online booking system, 60% complained about long queues, and 45% referred to poor staff attitudes.

“The government took far too long to act. We are nevertheless pleased that it has arrived at the right decision,” said Duvenage.