False claims circulating online have caused panic among older drivers after a fake news article alleged that senior motorists would be required to undergo medical check-ups before being allowed to renew their driver’s licences.

Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety and Security, confirmed these claims to be fake and false news.

The widely circulated article also claimed that drivers aged 80 and above will be required to complete driving fitness assessments before their licence renewal.

These claims have left many senior drivers feeling frantic and frustrated by the confusion.

The Citizen posted an article recently confirming that claims of new regulations for senior drivers are false. Collen Msibi, a spokesperson for the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, told The Citizen that these claims are not true.

Further investigations have confirmed that neither the Department of Transport nor the Road Traffic Management Corporation has issued any media statement or regulatory notice announcing such requirements.

The false claims have created confusion and unnecessary worry among seniors.

Members of the public are urged to be cautious of bogus websites and unverified online platforms posing as legitimate sources while spreading misinformation.

• Meanwhile, there have been discussions regarding a possible extension of the driver’s licence card validity period from five years to eight years. However, these remain proposals only and have not been finalised or implemented.