South Africa’s 10-year driving licence takes another step forward

Motorists in South Africa could soon have one less piece of admin to worry about when it comes to renewing their driving licence cards.

A long-discussed change to the country’s driving licence system has now reached another important stage, bringing the proposed new rules closer to becoming reality.

Another step towards longer driving licence validity

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy published the proposed changes in the Government Gazette on 17 August 2026, opening a 30-day public comment period.

That period has now closed, meaning the Department of Transport can move on to considering the submissions before the regulations are finalised and implemented.

Civil action group OUTA has previously said that, provided there are no political or logistical delays, the changes could potentially be in place within months.

However, there is currently no confirmed implementation date.

So, what’s changing?

Under the proposed regulations, driving licence cards for Codes A, A1, B and EB would be valid for 10 years from the date they are ordered from the Card Production Facility.

These codes cover motorcycles and light motor vehicles.

The validity period for C1, C, EC1 and EC licences would remain at five years. These codes cover heavier vehicles.

The proposal also forms part of a broader change under which the driving licence itself would no longer expire, unless it is suspended or cancelled. The physical card would still need to be renewed at the applicable intervals.

Motorists should also continue renewing their cards as normal while waiting for the new 10-year driving licence to come into effect.