An overhaul to South Africa’s current driver’s licence system is coming, as Cabinet confirms the launch of newer, more secure licence cards. The current system is 24 years old and is in desperate need of a change. It’s become too expensive to keep alive, forcing the government’s hand.
News of an updated driver’s licence first came from Fikile Mbalula earlier this year, with an expected release of October 2023. At the time, he said he was still awaiting Cabinet approval. This has since been given. This means the October 2023 release date is likely still on track (if everything goes according to plan).
Lasting longer
Image: MyBroadband
“The new proposed card will make the country’s driving licence compatible with the International Information Technology Personal Identification Compliant Driving Licence (ISO18013),” Cabinet said. This means the new cards will serve as forms of I.D as well as “proof” of your driving ability. They’ll also be recognised internationally
There is some good news for the procrastinators out there. “The current driver’s licence card and the equipment used to produce it will be decommissioned on April 1 2024,” Mbalula said. “However, there will be a five-year period of transition from the old card to the new one. The current cards will continue to be recognised as valid until March 31 2029.”
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Image: MyBroadband
Security and I.D benefits aren’t the only pros of the new cards. The government would like to extend the validation period of licences, from five years up to ten years. Why? Money and security. Without needing to reissue cards as often, the government can save money in the long run. Fikile Mbalula’s group claims there are no downsides to making the validity longer than five years.
The official changes destined for the new cards will be made public through the government gazette, once it is ready. We’re not sure when that is, but it is coming. Eventually.
Source: MyBroadband
