Parliament, Friday, 31 July 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Transport has noted with appreciation the Cabinet decision to extend the validity period of licence cards from five years to 10 of certain categories of vehicles.
Committee Chairperson Mr Donald Selamolela said the committee supported the move and its intention to ease the administrative burden on driving licence testing. “We welcome the news and hope that the intentions will be clear to motorists. Any improvements to the systems are always welcomed, as this will allow government to focus on the high-risk aspect of the system. We sincerely hope that government will not suffer losses due to this extension, and that administrative functions will be significantly improved.”
On Thursday, the government announced that it was extending the validity period for drivers’ licence cards for vehicle categories A, A1, B, and EB. The move is also intended to reduce the pressure on testing centres and will allow the government and its entities to focus on high-risk categories of vehicles, thereby achieving cost reduction for the licencing system.
Meanwhile, the committee sends its heartfelt condolences to the victims of the bus crash on the N1, near Trompsburg, in the Free State this morning. The bus is believed to have been transporting about 60 passengers. Eleven people reportedly lost their lives.
Mr Selamolela wished the survivors a speedy recovery and cautioned drivers to always be on the alert, particularly when they are transporting people.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNINCATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR DONALD SELAMOLELA.
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