World

Motorists May Pay R92 for Licence Card as Validity Extended to 10 Years

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Motorists could face a proposed R92 fee for driving licence cards as the government considers extending licence validity from five to ten years. On Tuesday, the Department of Transport said the additional cost is being considered as part of the financial implications of the extension.

Director John Motsatsing told the National Council of Provinces’ Select Committee on Public Infrastructure that a longer validity period would mean motorists renew their cards less frequently, which could offset the proposed increase. "There is going to be additional cost that they incurred in terms of the extension, whereby there is a proposal then to in order to cover the expenditure, there is a need that we increase the amount that is levied for the production of a driving license card," he said.

The changes come as the department seeks to address longstanding pressure on the licence card production system. Extending the validity period could reduce renewal pressure and backlogs, and also reduce the time motorists spend at licensing centres. Chief Director of Road Regulation Advocate Johannes Makgatho said the department had engaged the Government Printing Works as an interim measure to support card production and avoid a repeat of previous delays. "That will on its own ensure that people do not spend a day out attending to issues of renewing a license. Why? We are now going into the realm where there will be a need to reduce card production pressures and backlogs," he said.

The reforms are also expected to pave the way for greater digitisation of the driving licence system. During the briefing, committee members questioned why the government was extending the lifespan of the physical card rather than moving towards a secure electronic licence linked to a person’s digital identity. Motsatsing said the department is reviewing the application and management process and is working towards greater use of online platforms and integration across the transport sector. "We are in the process of holistically within the Department of Transport review the process of application, management of the application process and how we can streamline using online platforms for all the services that we render within the entire transport family," he said.

An interdepartmental working group chaired by the Presidency is considering digital driving licences as part of a broader modernisation of government services. The proposed ten‑year validity period is therefore being positioned as an interim step in a wider effort to modernise the country’s driving licence system, reduce administrative pressure and improve access to services.