Parliament has ramped up pressure on the Department of Transport (DoT) to fast-track the introduction of digital driver’s licences in South Africa, amid growing frustration over card production delays and outdated systems.

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Rikus Badenhorst, chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency, urged Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to set out a clear timeline for implementation.

“The Select Committee has been tracking undertakings since the 2022/23 financial year that a digital driving license would be introduced,” said Badenhorst. “This would reduce the reliance on physical card machines, which often break down, creating backlogs that leave hundreds of thousands of motorists waiting months for their licences.”

Digital Driver’s Licences not in five-year plan

Earlier this year, during budget deliberations, it was revealed that digital licences are not currently included in the DoT’s five-year strategic plan. The department indicated that the Government Printing Works is still researching digital solutions.

However, the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) has incorporated digital licences into its annual performance plan. The DLCA confirmed that government approved the new card design in August 2022, laying the foundation for a hybrid system where digital versions could be stored on mobile devices.

“The entity commenced with the acquisition of equipment and infrastructure to support the project,” the DLCA stated. “This will allow the DLCA to adopt digital technologies that automate processes and improve efficiency.”

Despite this, no performance targets are set until the 2026/27 financial year. According to the DLCA, only 25% of the new card system will be implemented by 2026/27, rising to 75% the following year.

Badenhorst criticised the slow pace of progress, stressing that Parliament will work to secure an executive commitment from the minister to speed up delivery. “It is beyond me that we cannot introduce a digital driver’s licence that can be stored on a cell phone,” he said.

Why going digital is essential

Industry experts argue that digital licences could solve many of the persistent challenges with South Africa’s current system. Rob Handfield-Jones, managing director of Driving.co.za, believes there is no reason for physical cards at all.

“Every driver has fingerprints, and every vehicle has a VIN,” he said. “If SARS can collect tax with an app, surely traffic officers could verify drivers with one too.”

South Africa’s sole licence card printer has suffered repeated breakdowns in recent years, causing widespread delays. Attempts to procure a replacement machine were derailed by a controversial tender process, further compounding the backlog crisis.

Handfield-Jones added that developing an app for traffic authorities would cost a fraction of what a new printer requires and would eliminate the inefficiencies that have plagued the system. He also questioned whether government’s slow progress reflects a greater focus on revenue collection than on road safety and service delivery.

What lies ahead

While the DLCA’s long-term roadmap shows gradual progress, the absence of firm short-term targets has raised concerns that motorists will continue to face delays for years. Parliament, however, has pledged to hold the DoT accountable and push for tangible movement on the digital licence project over the next four years.