South Africa is at the verge of conditioning the administration of driving licences from October 2025. The major change coming will be the shortening of the duration of licence validity which is presently 10 years; upon implementation of the new regulations, there would be a renewal every five years. Hence, periodic medical and vision tests would need to be conducted so as to promote road safety in the country. Medical standards will also be made more stringent for professional drivers, such as those driving buses and trucks, thereby ensuring that such persons shall be certified free medical consideration to be able to be operating a vehicle.
Slowly creeping because of amiable law passage stands biometric processes like fingerprinting and face verification to be recognised as anti-fraud methods. Also, a digital driving licence or smart driving licence will be introduced, supporting a more current and architectured platform for drivers to use.
How Does One Apply for a Driving Licence in South Africa?
Before graduating to an actual driving test, learners must apply for and be tested for their learner’s licence. The minimum age for a licence differs depending on the vehicle concerned. For example, licences are issued for motorcycles of up to 125cc at the age of 16, whereas for light motor vehicles, candidates must be at least 18 years. Heavier vehicles and those that tow trailers fall into separate codes, and with these go other age and training requirements.
Proof of identification, residential proof, and payment of fees are required from the applicants at the licensing centre. An applicant must clear the theory and practical test before a driving licence can be issued.
Licence Renewal Procedure
Renewals must be completed at least four weeks before the licence expires. When the driver misses such a deadline, he or she may have to apply for a temporary driver card while awaiting the new one. An eye test is given for renewal, and in some instances, biometric verification. Drivers have to bring updated proof of address and the existing driver card. Please note that there is no driving test at the time of renewal unless the licence has been expired for such a long time.
Road Rules and Penalties
South Africa has strict traffic law enforcement. Vehicles must keep to the left-hand side of the road, and all passengers are needed to have seatbelts fastened. Mobile phone use using handsets by a driver is prohibited. Speed limits are clearly advertised: 60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on certifying roads, and 120 km/h on highways.
Fines or other penalties apply to those who do not obey these rules. A demerit system is being phased in, wherein the accumulation of too many points might result in the licence being suspended. Here is a list of offences considered with greater gravity and include a fine of up to R12,000 and the possibility of imprisonment: reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving.
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