Readers share their thoughts on call for driver’s licence renewal to be extended to 10 years

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has called on transport minister Fikile Mbalula to consider changing the driver’s licence renewal process from five to 10 years. The Advertiser then posted a question on Facebook and invited readers to share their thoughts on the proposal.

Here is what you told us:
Angela Brinkley: Yes, please. It would be so much better to only have to tolerate the poor, lackluster service from the licensing department every 10 years.
Raygon Dominique de Bruin: Has anyone heard about the guy that was appointed the Minister of Transport? Is he still alive? Is it a he or she, I don’t even remember. The way we are left in the dark about moving to a better, corruption-free country is inhumane. We must just take what they give because only one per cent brain capacity is being utilised.
Vanja J Ingold: Great idea, but the government won’t agree as they’ll lose money.
Heather Carmody: Agreed, 10 years as government cannot service those driver’s licences on time.
Retha Cawood: At last, someone is using his/her brains. It is just a money-making business. Why renew your licence? Once you got it legally, it should be forever.
Ann Pazzi: Brilliant idea because the system is so unfriendly and unnecessary. Officials are lackadaisical in approach to anyone, seeming utterly bored with their jobs.
Ria Hattingh: We agree. This five-year story is just a nuisance and a money-making racket.
Sherrine Nell Beeslaar: We should just be able to do an online application as it’s all about the money anyway! Ten years it should be as the system as it is now certainly does not work!
Lance Schouw: LOL, they will change it to every two years so they can make money… car licence will be monthly.
Marieta Comacho: No, some people can’t drive. They must make it every year for old people and taxi drivers.
Audrey van Jaarsveld: Yes, please. When I see how everyone is battling to get dates. I would drive with my old one.
Dulcie Jansen: Yes. Good idea. And PDP for five years, please.
Claire Blake: Renewals are just a money-making scam and a waste of time.
Lee Anne Boshoff: It won’t work! Instead, the government should make renewals easier! Maybe an online renewal where you can submit your eye tests and old driving licence copy and ID copy and then await an SMS for card collection and distribute card collections to post offices and supermarkets nearest to you and notify per SMS at which place to collect your card according to your zip code. That will make queues shorter and less people in one place on one day. But I guess the administration and logistics required for that is something we don’t have in a licence department.
Tjaart van der Walt: Yes, please do. It’s a mission (nightmare) to renew.
Sharon Naude: Yes, 10 years is much better.
Patricia Rabalao: Yeeeeeessss, asomblief tog.
Liz Mc Inerney Murray: Yes. please.
Ruth Ann Seddon: Oh yes.
Martin Jansen van Vuuren: Yes, please.
Annie da Silva: Yes, definitely.
Sue Cooper: I fully agree.
Langa Tshabalala: That’s a good idea.
Brett Gareth Jacobs: Praise Jesus, hallelujah; it’s about time.
Debbie Mendes: Agree, 10 years is a good idea.
Nonhlanhla Ntshangase Nkosi: That will be a good idea.
Christelle van Deventer: Great idea.
Leynette Vivier: Would be awesome.
Olga Martins: I agree 100 per cent.
Johan van der Merwe: That will be great.