WHY you shouldn’t discard your expired driving licence in 2025

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Traffic authorities warn motorists to keep hold of their expired driving licence in 2025. Doing so will help avoid any unnecessary fines. According to BusinessTech, South Africa’s one and only driving licence card printing machine has reportedly broken down again. This may sound like a grammar phone playing the same desperate song over again. But the reality is that the Department of Transport (DOT) is fighting this battle with effectively one arm tied behind its back.

Therefore, city officials are urging motorists to keep their expired driving licence in 2025 and apply for a temporary licence in the meantime. According to reports from DOT insiders, our lone licence card printing machine hasn’t worked since January 2025, creating a growing backlog of processed driver’s licences that are waiting to be printed …

EXPIRED DRIVING LICENCE IN 2025

Fatalities on SA’s roads increased by 5.3% over the holiday period. Image: DOT on X

As a result, the City of Cape Town confirms that nearly 60 000applications for new driving licences have been processed. However, not a single card has been received so far since the January breakdown occurred. And since repairs to the aged machine can only happen abroad, it is anyone’s guess when the situation will be rectified. So, if you find yourself in this catch 22, rather keep your expired driving licence in 2025 just in case.

Embattled Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and the DOT can ill afford such controversy. This follows the Auditor-General (AG) announcing numerous tender irregularities in the appointment of a new card printing supplier. The company in question, French-based Idemia Identity and Security, were tasked with handling all driver’s licence cards, plus implementation of a new digital Driver’s Licence Card Accounts (DLCAs).

However, according to the AG’s report, the bid criteria for was not applied consistently to all bidders. Thankfully, Minister Creecy has since confirmed that no money was actually spent on the rollout of new driver’s licence cards. And even if it wanted to move ahead with new cards, using Idemia would be classed as irregular expenditure due to ‘inconsistencies’ found in the tender process.

CATCH-22 SITUATION

expired driving licence in 2025 — Driver’s licence renewal delay mounts to 60 000 applicants. Image: Xenni Driving School

However, broken machine or no, that’s no excuse to drive unlicenced on South African roads. The National Road Traffic Act says an expired driving licence in 2025 will remain valid for three months. However, this only applies if a renewal application was made before the expiry date on the card. Therefore, the licence holder must be in possession of proof of payment of the new driver’s licence.

If after that three-month grace period your new licence still hasn’t turned up, you can apply for a temporary licence. This is valid for six months. Note, if you apply after the date printed on your expired driving licence, you waive the three-month grace period and automatically require a temporary licence.