Ten-year driving licence cards are still only a proposal, with Cabinet approval next
The Department of Transport's draft amendments, gazetted 17 August, would give A1, A, B and EB cards a ten-year life, keep C-codes at five years and professional permits at two (BusinessTech, TopAuto, Western Cape government). Public comment closed in September. The next steps are Cabinet approval and publication by the Minister. No start date has been announced, and expired or soon-expiring cards may still need a five-year renewal.
Fewer renewals would save motorists money and reduce queues at licensing centres, which have long backlogs.
Do not delay renewing a card that is about to expire. Until the rule is final you will receive a five-year card.
Supporters say fewer renewals mean less queuing and lower costs.
Sceptics say the card machine and system problems matter more than the card life.
Treat "coming soon" headlines with caution. The proposal needs Cabinet and the Minister before it applies.
DailyDrop South Africa edition No. 7 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 11, 2026