South Africa extends light‑vehicle and motorcycle licences to 10‑year validity

The South African Cabinet approved extending the validity of driving licences for light motor vehicles and motorcycles from five to ten years. The decision covers licence categories A, A1, B and EB and was announced by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post‑Cabinet briefing.

The change is intended to align with international best practice, reduce the frequency of renewals for motorists and ease demand on licence‑testing centres. Professional licences for heavy and commercial vehicles will retain their existing renewal periods. Implementation requires amendment of the relevant legislation, and a formal effective date has not yet been set.

Earlier, Department of Transport Director‑General Mathabatha Mokonyama told Parliament that public feedback strongly favoured a longer renewal cycle. The department had previously considered an eight‑year period and a cost‑benefit analysis overseen by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy before the cabinet moved to a ten‑year validity for light‑vehicle and motorcycle licences.