Validity of expired drivers licenses extended

For months frustrated motorists have had to deal with a system backlog that has left many at their wits end. The transport minister has recently announced an extension to the validity window granting many a reprieve.

Lawrence Minnie

4 Dec 2020 · 11:33Automotive News

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Transport minister grants extension of license validity

Many a South African motorist has been left red faced and fuming over the license renewal backlog and unworkable booking system at license and testing centres across the country. With the backlog now estimated to be at well over 300 000 and increasing monthly, the transport department found itself in something of a pickle. There was an initial extension granted due to lockdown but it doesn't seem to have helped much, leading to much consternation for motorists

Acknowledging the limitations of the centres and their systems, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, announced on 3 December 2020 that the validity of all learners, drivers and PDP licenses will be extended to 31 August 2021. This reprieve is only granted to all those whose licenses expired between March 26 and December 31 2020.

So what now?

Motorists whose cards expired during the applicable period now have a seven month window to get a booking and renew their license cards. This does not apply to those whose cards will begin expiring from 31 December 2020.

The transport department is also planning on putting a number of actions in place to try and clear the backlog such as:

70% of capacity, human resources and equipment at DLTCs will be dedicated to servicing expired driving licence card renewals and professional driving permits (PDPs).
70% of slots on the online booking system will be dedicated to expired driving licence cards and professional driving permits (PDPs).
Two satellite centres will be opened at the RTMC offices in Centurion and Midrand.
A task team has been established to advise the Gauteng department of transport on the procurement of mobile centres.
An operations centre will be opened to daily monitor operations at DLTCs and evaluate the availability of booking slots.
Extended operational hours will be introduced, with centres opening from Monday to Sunday.
All DLTCs falling under the Tshwane Metro will open from 6am, starting in December.
These interventions will remain in force until the backlog is cleared.

If your card has expired, you simply continue to carry it with you as normal and if you are outside of a built up metro, see if you can carry a copy of the gazzeted announcement with you in case you have a run in with law enforcement. You cannot and should not be fined for an expired license card.

We urge affected motorists to continue trying to get a booking through the eNatis system at https://online.natis.gov.za for a Gauteng appointment and to do this as soon as possible to avoid the rush that will inevitably occur as the deadline approaches. DON'T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE!

The extension also does not apply to vehicle licences. If your cars licence disc expired before or during lockdown, penalties will apply when you renew it.

Planning on visiting a Driver's License Testing Centre soon? Here's a list of DLCTs in each province, including contact details:

Recommended next:

How much are car license renewal fees?

How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license

How long do you need to wait for your driver’s license?

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more

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