How to avoid long queues when renewing your driver’s licence – everything you need to know

While the new extension gives motorists some buying time to renew their licences, licence centres have been grappling with backlogs and technical issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africans were relieved to hear that the deadline of renewals of all license licences – learner’s licences, driving licences, professional driving permits, and temporary licences – which expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 August 2021 – has been extended.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced that the department would be extending the process to 31 March 2022.

Here is everything you need to know: 

– First things first, you have to book for your licence card renewal four weeks before it expires. This will help you avoid paying an additional cost for a temporary one after it expires while you wait for your permanent one.

– You will do an eye test, or you can do it at an optometrist of your choice and take your results to the DLTC.

When you go to your nearest driving licence testing centre remember to take these documents: 

• Identity document (ID) and a copy of your ID, old driving licence card, or valid South African passport
• Four black-and-white ID photographs (before you have photographs taken, confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require)
• Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address, and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit. 
• If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
• Prescribed application fee.

How long does it take:

Your new driving licence will be ready in four to six weeks.

How much does it cost:

Contact your local licencing office to find out the cost.

Forms to complete:

Application for renewal of driver’s licence (DL1). The form is available at the driving licence testing centre.

For more information click here.

ALSO READ: Extension of licence renewal grace period welcomed