Thousands of South African motorists are currently stuck with expired driver’s licences—and it’s not their fault. The country’s only driver’s licence card printing machine has been broken since early 2024, and the resulting backlog has left many unable to get their updated cards.
Now, drivers are left in limbo, concerned about being fined while the Department of Transport (DoT) works on both repairs and a temporary fix.
A Breakdown Decades in the Making
The driver’s licence card machine, installed in 1998, has reportedly broken down more than 160 times. It has been offline since February, severely delaying the printing of new cards.
“We’re hoping to have it up and running by mid-May,” said Collen Msibi, spokesperson for Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. “But we are also working on an interim solution which will be announced soon.”
What Drivers Should Do Now
In the meantime, the DoT has offered practical advice for motorists:
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If you applied for renewal before your licence expired: Carry your expired card along with your renewal receipt when driving. This will serve as proof that you followed the legal process.
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If you applied after your card expired: You must apply for a temporary driver’s licence to stay compliant.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has called on government to waive fees for temporary licences during this period. CEO Wayne Duvenhage says the situation is “very serious” and believes government owes the public some relief.
Calls for Long-Term Reform
Duvenhage also urged the department to reintroduce 10-year driver’s licence validity. “This was proposed in 2013 but quietly reversed without explanation,” he said. “It’s common practice globally, and would reduce pressure on the system.”
He added that technology could play a major role in future upgrades: “We should have digital licences linked to your ID or smartphone. We’re still stuck in a paper-based system prone to inefficiency and corruption.”
Be Polite but Prepared
Duvenhage advised drivers to be courteous if stopped by traffic officers. “Explain the situation and show your proof. Most officers are aware of the problem.”
Still, he stressed that the inconvenience and financial burden lie with drivers, despite the fault being systemic.
As South Africa waits for the broken printer to be fixed and for a new system to be introduced, motorists are urged to stay informed, keep documents handy, and consider applying for a temporary licence if needed.
Minister Creecy is expected to announce more details on the interim solution in the coming days.
{Source: The Citizen}
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