South Africa’s Cabinet has approved extending the validity of driving licence cards for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years, marking a significant policy change for millions of motorists. The decision was announced on Thursday, 30 July 2026, during a post Cabinet media briefing.
The extension applies to driving licence codes A, A1, B and EB, covering motorcycles and most private light motor vehicles. However, the change has not yet come into effect because amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations must still be completed before the new validity period becomes law.
Until those legislative amendments are finalised and gazetted, motorists in Gauteng and across South Africa must continue renewing expired driving licence cards under the current five year validity period, according to the Department of Transport.
Cabinet Approves 10 Year Validity for Light Vehicle Licences
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that Cabinet approved extending the validity period of driving licence cards for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years.
According to Ntshavheni, the change is intended to improve administrative efficiency, reduce the frequency of renewals and ease demand at driving licence testing centres.
The extension applies to the following driving licence codes:
- Code A
- Code A1
- Code B
- Code Code EB
These categories include motorcycles, passenger vehicles and light motor vehicles used by most South African motorists.
Cabinet said the decision aligns South Africa more closely with international best practice while reducing pressure on the country’s licensing system.
Which Driving Licence Codes Are Included?
The new approval only applies to specific categories of driving licences used for private and light vehicles.
The affected licence codes are:
- A
- A1
- B
- EB
These categories cover motorcycles, passenger cars and light vehicles.
The approval does not extend to heavy commercial vehicles, public transport vehicles or Professional Driving Permits.
Heavy Vehicles and Professional Drivers Keep Current Renewal Periods
Motorists who operate heavy vehicles or hold professional driving permits will continue following the existing renewal requirements.
According to the Department of Transport:
- Heavy commercial vehicle licences will continue on the current five year renewal cycle.
- Public transport vehicle licences remain subject to the existing renewal period.
- Professional Driving Permits will continue to require renewal every two years.
Government said these categories remain subject to stricter regulatory requirements because of their commercial and public safety responsibilities.
The Law Has Not Changed Yet
Although Cabinet has approved the extension, motorists should not assume the 10 year validity period is already in effect.
The Department of Transport has emphasised that legislative amendments must first be completed before the changes become legally enforceable.
The department said Regulation 108 of the National Road Traffic Regulations must be amended to replace the current five year validity period with a 10 year validity period for licence codes A, A1, B and EB.
The amendment process still includes:
- Submission to the Shareholders Committee.
- Public consultation.
- Legal scrutiny by the Office of the State Law Adviser.
- Publication of the amended regulations in the Government Gazette.
Until these steps are completed, motorists must continue renewing expired driving licence cards under the existing law.
Why Government Is Extending Driving Licence Validity
According to the Department of Transport, the decision follows research conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
The study recommended extending the validity period to:
- Reduce the frequency of licence renewals.
- Improve administrative efficiency.
- Ease demand at driving licence testing centres.
- Align South Africa with international best practice.
The move is also expected to reduce pressure on the country’s driving licence card production system, which has experienced operational challenges and renewal backlogs in recent years.
How the Proposal Reached Cabinet Approval
Government has been considering longer driving licence validity periods for several years.
Former Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced in 2022 that the Road Traffic Management Corporation would investigate extending the validity period.
In 2024, the department indicated it was considering extending validity to eight years following the completion of the RTMC study.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy later supported the proposal and continued work on the necessary policy changes.
Cabinet has now approved a 10 year validity period for light motor vehicle licences, exceeding the previously proposed eight year option.
The legislative process must now continue before implementation.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng has the highest number of registered vehicles in South Africa and some of the country’s busiest driving licence testing centres.
Once implemented, the longer validity period could reduce the number of motorists required to renew licence cards every five years.
Potential benefits include:
- Fewer visits to driving licence testing centres.
- Reduced administrative costs over time.
- Lower demand at licensing offices.
- Less pressure on card production facilities.
However, motorists whose driving licence cards expire before the amended regulations come into force must still renew them under the existing five year system.
What Happens Next Before the New Rules Take Effect
Following Cabinet approval, the Department of Transport will proceed with the legislative amendment process.
The proposed regulations must complete public consultation, legal review and publication before the 10 year validity period can officially take effect.
Government has not yet announced the implementation date.
Until the amendments are gazetted, motorists remain legally required to comply with the current renewal rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has South Africa Introduced 10 Year Driving Licence Validity Yet?
No. Cabinet has approved the policy, but legislative amendments must still be completed before the change becomes law.
Who Will Qualify for the 10 Year Driving Licence Validity?
The extension will apply to licence codes A, A1, B and EB, covering motorcycles and most light motor vehicles.
Do I Still Need to Renew My Driving Licence Card?
Yes. The Department of Transport has confirmed that motorists must continue renewing expired driving licence cards under the current five year validity period until the law changes.
Will Commercial Drivers Also Receive a 10 Year Licence?
No. Heavy commercial vehicles, public transport vehicles and Professional Driving Permits will continue following their existing renewal periods.
Why Is South Africa Extending Driving Licence Validity?
According to government, the change will improve administrative efficiency, reduce pressure on licensing centres and align South Africa’s licensing system with international best practice.
What Motorists Should Do Now
Cabinet’s approval represents an important milestone in South Africa’s driving licence reform process, but it is not yet a legal change. Until the required amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations have been completed and published in the Government Gazette, motorists must continue renewing their driving licence cards every five years. The Department of Transport has advised motorists to follow the current renewal requirements while the legislative process continues.
