Ten-year licence cards: progress, but keep renewing

Platinum Publishers | SA – South African motorists are a step closer to renewing their driving licence cards every ten years – but the change has not yet taken effect.

On 6 October 2026, Parliament’s select committee received a briefing on proposed regulations extending card validity from five to ten years for motorcycle and light motor vehicle licence codes A1, A, B and EB. The changes still need to be finalised.

Heavy vehicle licence cards would retain their five-year validity, while professional driving permits would remain valid for two years.

The proposal aims to ease renewal backlogs and reduce pressure on licensing centres.

For now, motorists must continue renewing their cards under the existing rules. Do not assume that your current card has automatically gained another five years. The Department of Transport says renewals must continue until the new provisions take effect.