The South African government is planning to introduce a new smart card driving licence in October 2023, with the current licences completely phased out within the next five years thereafter. It was confirmed by transport minister Fikile Mbalula this week that the department of transport’s plan that the new driving licence card will have advanced security features and meet international standards. This also means we will be able to use it as an alternative form of identification.
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“We are in the process of seeking cabinet approval for the design of the new card this year. This will then be followed by a procurement process that will enable us to pilot the card and introduce the new card in October 2023. Once we start issuing the new card, we will phase out the current card over a five-year period, which should allow the current cards to expire,” Mbalula said.
According to the AA, if the existing problems around applying and issuing of cards are not resolved, the introduction of a new card – however advanced – will have solved nothing.
“We therefore eagerly await the introduction of new online procedures, which are slated to come into force on 17 February, as a way of dealing more effectively with the procedures around driving licence card renewals,” it said. “The AA has urged government to extend the validity period of driving licences from five to 10 years as a way of dealing more effectively with renewals.”
Mbalula said the transport department will be engaging with the provinces to explore further incentives and innovations that will be rolled out in due course.
He said these include:
- The roll-out of the RTMC DLTC model in all provinces;
- The introduction of flexible operating hours at DLTCs; and
- A possibility of exempting some categories of motorists from the amount payable for temporary driving licences.
“Once we have finalised these consultations, we will make the necessary pronouncements,” he said.
