South African motorists could soon have to renew their driving licence cards only once every 10 years.

This follows draft amendments published for public comment by the Department of Transport, which would extend the validity of driving licence cards for light vehicles and motorcycles from five to 10 years.

The change could reduce queues at Driving Licence Testing Centres and save motorists time and money by halving the frequency of renewals. The amendments would also clarify that a driving licence remains valid indefinitely unless revoked, separating a motorist’s legal right to drive from the validity period of the physical card.

However, several aspects of the proposal have raised concerns.

These include a three-month grace period for motorists awaiting renewed cards. Concerns have been raised that motorists could face difficulties if printing delays or backlogs result in cards taking longer than three months to be issued.

Road safety is another consideration, with eyesight potentially changing significantly over a 10-year period. Questions have also been raised about whether renewal fees could increase to compensate for fewer renewals.

The proposed 10-year validity period would not apply to heavy commercial vehicle licence codes C1, C, EC1 and EC, which would remain on a five-year cycle.

The draft amendments also focus on physical driving licence cards and do not provide for digital driving licences or home and office delivery.

Members of the public have been invited to comment on the proposed amendments before September 16. Comments can be submitted to the Department of Transport by email at CommentsNRTR@dot.gov.za or at dearsouthafrica.co.za.