South Africa Approves 10-Year Driving Licences for Light Vehicles

South Africa will extend the validity of driving licences for light vehicles and motorcycles from five to 10 years ^[1].

This change aims to reduce the administrative burden on government infrastructure. By halving the frequency of renewals, the government expects to decrease the long queues and systemic delays that have plagued licensing centers across the country.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the decision followed Cabinet approval this month [1, 2]. The extension applies specifically to light-vehicle and motorcycle codes, including A, A1, B, and EB [1, 3].

"Extending the validity of driving licences for Codes A, A1, B and EB from five to 10 years will ease pressure on the system, improve service delivery, and help combat corruption in the licensing process," Creecy said ^[1].

While light vehicle operators will benefit from the longer window, the policy does not apply to all drivers. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the extension applies to light motor vehicle licence codes, while heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will maintain shorter renewal periods ^[2]. Those operating heavier vehicles will continue to renew their licences every five years ^[3].

The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize the Department of Transport's service delivery. Government officials said that reducing the volume of applicants at centers would limit opportunities for illicit payments and bribery, a persistent issue within the licensing system [1, 2].

Although the Cabinet has approved the measure, the policy is not yet in effect ^[4]. The government has not provided a specific date for when the 10-year licences will be issued to the public, but the approval marks a formal shift in regulatory policy.