South Africa Confirms Move to Eight-Year Driving Licence Cards: What Drivers Need to Know

South Africa is officially preparing to shift from a five-year to an eight-year driving licence card validity period, according to the Department of Transport. The announcement marks a significant development in the country’s licensing system and has been widely welcomed by motorists.

Government Confirms the Transition

Director-General Mathabatha Mokonyama informed Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency that the decision to extend licence validity has been finalised.

“We have just concluded the issue around extending the validity period of the driver’s licence card from five to eight years,” he said.
“South Africans do favour a longer period. They don’t want to come back every five years. So we definitely will be moving to eight years soon.”

Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi also confirmed to MyBroadband that the move is happening, even though the department has not yet completed its full cost-benefit analysis.

Minister Creecy Supports Longer Validity

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also publicly endorsed the shift to eight-year driving licences, calling it “the right move.” She noted that research into licence validity periods predates her appointment, and the findings were clear.

Creecy emphasized that:

• Drivers of heavy vehicles or those transporting passengers should continue renewing their licences every two years, due to higher safety risks.

• Ordinary motorists can safely move to an eight-year renewal cycle.

However, she also highlighted a financial concern: the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA)—the entity responsible for printing licences—relies heavily on renewal fees for revenue.

“What I asked is: can we understand the financial implications if we make this decision?” Creecy said.
“I don’t think it’s wise to make a decision if you don’t understand the consequences.”

Implementation Facing Delays

Despite political support, the move to eight-year licences is already behind the schedule outlined in the Department of Transport’s Annual Performance Plan for 2025/26.

Planned Timeline vs. Actual Progress

According to the plan:

• Quarter 1 (Apr–Jun 2025): Consultations with EXCO, COTO, and MINMEC

• Quarter 2 (Jul–Sep 2025): Publish a draft notice in the Government Gazette for public comment

• Quarter 3 (Oct–Dec 2025): Consultations with the Shareholders Committee

• Quarter 4 (Jan–Mar 2026): Submit the eight-year validity proposal to Parliament

However, the department already missed its Quarter 2 target. MyBroadband reviewed Government Gazette publications between July and September 2025 and found no notice calling for public participation.

This delay raises questions about whether the department will meet its final deadline of presenting the proposal to Parliament between 31 December 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Summary of the Department’s 2025/26 Targets

What This Means for South African Drivers

If successfully implemented, the move to an eight-year licence validity period will:

• Reduce queues at driving licence centres

• Cut administrative burdens for motorists

• Lower renewal-related costs for individuals

• Potentially require a funding restructure for the DLCA

Although the shift is not yet officially in effect, government leaders have confirmed it is definitely on the way. Motorists may soon enjoy a significantly more convenient renewal cycle—provided the remaining administrative hurdles are cleared in time.