Proposed changes to South Africa's driving licence regulations
Open for public comment
The National Department of Transport has published draft amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations and is inviting the public to submit comments before the proposed changes are finalised. The notice was published in Gov Gazette No. 55205 on 17 August 2026.
What are the proposed changes?
The draft amendments seek to change the validity periods of driving licences and driving licence cards in South Africa.
Driving licences could become valid indefinitely
Under the proposed regulations, a driving licence itself would remain valid indefinitely and would no longer expire, unless it is suspended or cancelled in terms of applicable legislation.
Learner's licences remain valid for 24 months
The proposed amendments retain the validity period of learner's licences at 24 months from the date of issue.
Longer validity for driving licence cards
While the driving licence would become valid indefinitely, the physical driving licence card would still need to be renewed periodically.
The proposed validity periods are:
- 10 years for licence cards for Codes A1, A, B and EB (motorcycles and light motor vehicles).
- 5 years for licence cards for Codes C1, C, EC1 and EC (heavier vehicles).
Grace period for expired cards
Motorists holding an existing five-year licence card for Codes A1, A, B or EB would be allowed to continue using the card while waiting for a replacement card to be issued, for up to three months after the card's expiry date.
Have your say!
The National Minister of Transport has invited members of the public, stakeholders and interested parties to submit written comments, objections or representations on the draft regulations within 30 days of the notice's publication. Comments must be submitted to the Department of Transport, details below:
Mr John Motsatsing
Department of Transport
Private Bag X 193
Pretoria
0001
Tel: (012) 309 3574
E-mail: CommentsNRTR@dot.gov.za
Adv NA Thoka
Department of Transport
Private Bag X 193
Pretoria
0001
Tel: (012) 309 3764
Email CommentsNRTR@dot.gov.za
Download the Government Gazette
Read the full draft regulations and submission details in the Government Gazette notice. Government Gazette -55205