Draft Amendments to Driving Licence Validity Regulations Published for Comment

Posted 18 August 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Transport

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Transport has published draft amendments to the regulations under the National Road Traffic Act, No. 93 of 1996 for public comment, proposing substantial changes to the validity periods of driving and learner’s licences.

Published on 18 August 2026 (backdated to 17 August 2026), the proposed regulatory amendments seek to overhaul the current licensing regime by extending or altering validity terms based on vehicle category and licence code. The deadline for submitting written public comments is 17 September 2026.

Key Proposed Regulatory Changes

  • Indefinite licence validity: Depending on the vehicle classification and driving licence code, licence validity may become indefinite, provided the licence is not suspended, endorsed, or cancelled pursuant to the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, No. 46 of 1998 (AARTO).
  • Pending renewal extension: Where an application for licence renewal has been lodged and the outcome remains pending, the validity period of the existing driving licence card will be deemed extended to between five and 10 years, contingent upon the specific licence code.
  • Learner’s licence revisions: Corresponding validity period adjustments are proposed for learner’s licensing frameworks across specified vehicle codes.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Check the expiry status of your current driving licence card and assess how the proposed validity extensions or indefinite validity terms would apply to your licence category upon final promulgation.
  • For your business: Review corporate fleet compliance management processes, employment driver verification protocols, and fleet insurance policy conditions that mandate active, valid licence cards for staff drivers.
  • For your clients: Advise logistics, transport, and commercial fleet clients on potential regulatory shifts affecting driver credential renewals, AARTO demerit point implications, and the 17 September 2026 public comment deadline.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/transport-draft-amendments-to-drivers-licensing-regulations-out-for-comment

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.