Cabinet approves extension of driver’s licence validity to 10 years
South African motorists with light vehicle and motorcycle licences are set for relief after Cabinet approved extending the validity period of driving licence cards from five to 10 years.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision on 30 July 2026 following a Cabinet meeting. The change applies only to codes A, A1, B, and EB. Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain on the existing two- or five-year cycles, while Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) stay on a two-year renewal.
The extension, informed by a Road Traffic Management Corporation study, aims to align South Africa with international best practice, cut the frequency of renewals, ease pressure on licensing centres, and improve administrative efficiency. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy welcomed the move, noting it would reduce service demand on the system.
The new period is not yet in force. It requires amendments to regulation 108 of the Road Traffic Regulations, followed by further processes including public comment. Until the law is gazetted, motorists must continue renewing expired cards under the current five-year rules.
The decision builds on earlier proposals that had pointed toward an eight-year validity and follows years of discussion, including backlogs linked to card-printing challenges. Lobby groups such as AfriForum and OUTA have welcomed the reform as a practical step for ordinary drivers.