Changes are imminent for driver's licences in South Africa
The Department of Transport aims to roll out new digital driver's licence cards.
The South African government has announced a major shake-up to the country’s driver's license system, with the aim of making it easier and safer for all drivers to operate vehicles on the roads.
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According to Business Tech, the Department of Transport aims to roll out digital driver's licence cards in South Africa in 2023.
This will be done as a push towards greater virtualisation and automation of the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA).
The emphasis of this plan is to ensure a quicker, easier way to renew driver's licences in the country.
The digital driver's licence is part of the longer-term goal to optimise driver's licence production.
It also reduces the turnaround time of producing and distributing licences by the DLCA.
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The initial thought of digital driver's licences was mentioned by former Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, in 2022.
Mr Razz-Matazz announced that the Department would officially launch the system in the 2024/25 financial year, with the card formally known as a mobile/electronic driver’s licence (eDL).
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According to Business Tech, the digital licence is expected to usher in the new driver's licence card, which is anticipated to be launched in 2023. This will include a new licence design.
The current driver's licence card will continue to be recognised in SA as being valid until 31 March 2029.
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Main image attribution: Jacques Stander