Driving licence tips: What to do while waiting
Although the driving licence card printing machine is back in commission, there is quite a substantial backlog.
The South African government has provided crucial guidance for motorists waiting for their driving licence cards following the repair of the country's sole printing machine.
With a backlog of approximately 747,000 cards, motorists are advised to take the following steps:
Retain Receipts
If you applied for a licence renewal before the expiry date, keep your receipt as proof of application, along with your expired driving licence card. This will serve as temporary proof of your renewal application.
Apply for Temporary Licence
If you applied for a licence renewal after the expiry date, you are required to apply for a temporary driving licence to continue driving legally.
Extended Working Hours
To reduce the backlog, the Department of Transport has extended working hours for staff at the Driving Licence Card Agency. This aims to expedite the processing of licence cards.
🚗 Driver’s Licence Update 🛠️
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 12, 2025
The licensing card machine has been serviced, but due to backlog:
✅ If you applied before your licence expired, keep your receipt with you as proof.
⚠️ If you applied after it expired, you must apply for a temporary driving licence to drive… pic.twitter.com/qomqw5GJXY
The government's update comes after the sole printing machine's repair, which had been out of order for nearly three months. Motorists are advised to follow these guidelines to avoid any disruptions or legal issues while waiting for their driving licence cards.
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