South Africa’s New Driving Licence

South Africa could launch a pilot of its new driving licence cards as early as 1 November 2023, and motorists in the country can expect several changes, including a new, more secure design and a possible validity extension to ten years.

The new licence card and the necessary production equipment will also lay the foundation for South Africa’s eDriving licence plan, which is scheduled for the 2024/25 financial year.

On 1 September 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet ministers approved a new driving licence card for South Africa that complies with international driving licence standards.

‘The new proposed card will make the country’s driving licence compatible with the International Information Technology Personal Identification Compliant Driving Licence (ISO18013),’ the Cabinet said.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula is expected to publish the changes to the driving licence card in the Government Gazette.