There’s a silver lining for thousands of motorists across the country who have been forced to drive with expired licences since the beginning of the year. The Department of Transport has confirmed that South Africa’s only driver’s licence card printer is back in operation after months of inactivity. But while this is welcome news, a massive challenge still lies ahead.

Contents

The return of the driver’s licence card printer to operation comes as a relief for many drivers who have been navigating the roads with expired licences, often facing fines and penalties. This situation not only creates a sense of anxiety for the motorists but also poses a risk to road safety, as unlicensed drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. The Department of Transport’s intervention to repair the printer is, therefore, a critical step in addressing these pressing concerns.

Old Machine, New Problems

This ageing machine has not only impacted the production of driver’s licence cards but also reflects a broader issue within the public service apparatus regarding infrastructure maintenance. With a history of almost three decades, maintenance schedules should have been more rigorous to minimise downtime, ensuring that such essential services remain uninterrupted. It raises questions about budget allocations and priorities within the Department of Transport that have allowed such critical equipment to become outdated and prone to failure.

The backlog of nearly 748,000 outstanding cards represents not just a number, but real individuals who are affected by this delay. Many motorists rely on these licences for their daily commutes, work obligations, and personal matters. The mental and emotional toll from the uncertainty of license validity is compounded by the fear of legal repercussions, which could include hefty fines or even legal action. Consequently, the urgency to resolve this backlog is paramount not only for operational efficiency but also for the peace of mind of the driving public.

The licence card printing machine, now 26 years old, has become increasingly unreliable, breaking down nearly 160 times over its lifetime. The most recent breakdown occurred in January 2025, bringing card production to a halt and disrupting the licence renewal process for thousands of drivers nationwide.

Since then, few—if any— driver’s licence cards have been printed, creating a backlog that’s now sitting at an alarming 747,748 outstanding cards.

Driver’s Licence Backlog by Province

The extent of the backlog is being felt across all provinces. According to figures released by the Department of Transport as of 2 May 2025, the distribution is as follows:

Gauteng: 252,745
KwaZulu-Natal: 115,020
Western Cape: 108,402
Mpumalanga: 66,833
Limpopo: 61,769
Eastern Cape: 55,393
North West: 39,983
Free State: 33,741
Northern Cape: 13,862

This staggering backlog means many motorists will still be waiting weeks—if not months—for their renewed licence cards.

Working Overtime to Catch Up

To address the issue, the Driving Licence Card Agency (DLCA) will extend staff working hours. Department spokesperson Collen Msibi explained that this is part of a catch-up plan to reduce the backlog, with updates on progress expected to follow in due course.

However, the success of this plan also hinges on how many new driver’s licence orders are received each day, which could influence how quickly the backlog is cleared.

Calls for Long-Term Reform

The situation has renewed public pressure for long-overdue changes to the country’s licence system. Wayne Duvenhage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), called on Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to reinstate the 10-year validity period for driver’s licences—a policy introduced in 2013 but later scrapped without explanation.

Duvenhage also highlighted the need to embrace technology, suggesting the development of virtual licences linked to ID cards. “Many countries have already moved in this direction. It’s time we catch up,” he said.

This backlog can also affect various sectors of the economy, particularly those dependent on transportation services. For instance, delivery services and ride-sharing platforms may see increased operational challenges as drivers strive to maintain compliance with licensing laws. Reduced reliability in licensure can lead to decreased public confidence in these services, ultimately impacting their bottom line. Therefore, addressing the backlog should be viewed through the lens of economic vitality as well.

A Wake-Up Call for Modernisation

In response to the backlog, the DLCA is also engaging in community outreach to educate the public on the importance of updating their driver’s license information. This initiative includes workshops and informational sessions to demystify the renewal process and encourage timely applications for renewals. By fostering a proactive attitude among motorists, the agency hopes to prevent future backlogs and enhance service delivery in the long run.

While the repair of the driver’s licence card printer offers a glimmer of hope, the overwhelming backlog is a clear sign that deeper systemic issues remain. The age and fragility of the existing equipment, along with the absence of a modernised digital system, continue to put strain on motorists and the transport system. The question now is whether this crisis will prompt long-term reforms—or if it’s merely another short-term fix.