The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has welcomed Cabinet’s approval to extend the validity of driving licence cards from five to 10 years.
The decision is expected to reduce how often ordinary motorists must renew their cards.
However, the change is not yet in force.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision on Wednesday and urged motorists to continue renewing their licence cards under the current rules.
The longer validity period can only take effect once the required legislative and administrative changes have been completed.
Motorists must still renew
Drivers should not assume that their existing cards are automatically valid for 10 years.
Until government confirms the implementation date, licence cards must still be renewed every five years.
Motorists who allow their cards to expire could face the same consequences that currently apply.
The approved extension will mainly benefit drivers holding codes A, A1, B and EB licences.
Drivers licensed to operate heavier vehicles will still be required to renew more frequently.
OUTA welcomes decision
OUTA chief executive Wayne Duvenage said the organisation had pushed for a 10-year validity period for six years.
The campaign gained urgency during the Covid-19 pandemic and amid repeated driving licence card printing backlogs.
“I think this is a win for society, a bit of sanity prevailing,” Duvenage said.
He said the change would offer greater convenience to ordinary motorists.
A longer renewal period could also reduce pressure on licensing centres, government staff and the materials needed to produce new cards.
Paper shortage raises concern
Duvenage also criticised reports that some Johannesburg licensing centres were running out of specialised security paper.
The paper is required to print vehicle licensing and registration documents.
He described the reported shortage as “sheer incompetence”, arguing that officials should be able to predict monthly demand and manage supplies accordingly.
The government has not yet announced when the 10-year licence card system will officially begin.
Until then, motorists must follow existing renewal requirements and wait for a confirmed implementation date.