South Africa to fast-track digital driving licences

South Africa to fast-track digital driving licences as the government and transport department intensify efforts to modernize the licensing system and improve road safety across the country.

The chair of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency, Rikus Badenhorst, recently urged transport minister Barbara Creecy to establish a clear plan and timeline for the rollout of digital driving licences in South Africa.

Why South Africa is fast-tracking digital licences

According to Badenhorst, the Select Committee has been tracking commitments made since the 2022/23 financial year to introduce digital driving licences South Africa. He emphasized that the move would significantly reduce reliance on outdated card machines, which frequently break down and create massive backlogs in distributing physical driving licence cards.

By fast-tracking digital licences, the transport department hopes to cut down on delays and streamline services for drivers who often face months-long waits to receive new or renewed licences.

Digital driving licence reform on the horizon

While the driving licence reform wasn’t originally included in the Department of Transport’s five-year strategic plan, it has appeared in the Driving Licence Card Account’s (DLCA) 2025/26 annual performance plan.

The DLCA’s plan highlights that the project is the foundation of the digital licence system. The government already approved a new licence card design in August 2022, which will eventually be integrated into digital formats accessible via mobile devices.

The DLCA has begun acquiring equipment and infrastructure to support the transition, with targets for 25% implementation by 2026/27 and 75% by 2027/28. While these timelines suggest a gradual rollout, pressure from parliament could accelerate the process.

Security and authenticity concerns

Badenhorst also pointed out that the success of digital driving licences South Africa will depend on ensuring the security and authenticity of the system. Digital IDs and mobile-based licences must be tamper-proof, reliable, and universally accepted by traffic officials.

He stressed that if government departments can implement digital tax systems, as SARS has done successfully, then the transport department can deliver a secure and accessible digital licence system.

Road safety implications

Industry experts argue that adopting digital driving licences could also help strengthen road safety in South Africa. Currently, corruption within the licensing system has allowed unqualified drivers to obtain valid cards, often contributing to fatal accidents.

Rob Handfield-Jones, managing director of Driving.co.za, believes South Africa should go even further by eliminating physical documents altogether, including licence cards and car discs. Instead, he suggests a digital app-based system linked to drivers’ fingerprints and vehicles’ VIN numbers.

“Before 1998, South African driving licences had no renewal process, and 1998 was the safest year on our roads,” he explained. “The fatality rate has since quadrupled, and many licences have been bought through corrupt channels, undermining road safety.”

The problem with physical licence cards

The reliance on physical cards and machines has created numerous challenges. Card printer breakdowns have repeatedly left thousands of motorists without renewed licences, while corruption within testing centres has further eroded public trust in the system.

Handfield-Jones highlighted that developing an app for traffic officers to instantly verify drivers’ details could be done at a fraction of the cost of replacing outdated card machines. Such a system would not only streamline enforcement but also reduce opportunities for fraud.

The cost of corruption and poor systems

The ongoing corruption and inefficiency in the licensing system have devastating consequences. Handfield-Jones estimates that more than 300,000 preventable road deaths over the past 25 years can be linked to drivers with illegitimate licences who lack basic driving skills.

He added that many of these drivers represent a danger even during defensive driver training. “We are talking about people who cannot brake or steer properly,” he said. “It is impossible they could have passed a properly administered government driving test. Yet they hold valid licences registered on e-Natis.”

Digital licences and the transport department’s role

The transport department will play a critical role in ensuring that South Africa delivers a secure, efficient, and sustainable licensing system. While progress has been slow, recent pressure from parliament may accelerate the move toward digital driving licence reform.

The government’s adoption of digital solutions in other sectors provides a blueprint for success. Just as e-filing transformed tax collection, digital licences could modernize road management and restore confidence in the system.

Looking ahead: a digital future for South African drivers

If implemented effectively, digital licences could transform how South Africans interact with road authorities. Benefits would include:

• Faster turnaround times for licence renewals.

• Reduced backlogs caused by card machine breakdowns.

• Improved verification tools for traffic officers.

• Greater transparency and reduced opportunities for corruption.

• Potential integration with other digital government services.

However, the rollout will need strong political will, investment in secure digital infrastructure, and effective public education campaigns to ensure motorists adopt the system smoothly.

Conclusion

The call for South Africa to fast-track digital driving licences is more than a technological upgrade—it is a critical reform for road safety, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

With parliament pushing for clear timelines, and experts urging bold reforms, the future of licensing in South Africa may soon shift from physical cards to secure, mobile-based systems. Whether the transport department can overcome past challenges and deliver on these promises will determine how quickly drivers benefit from the digital revolution.

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