A South African driving licence card must be renewed before it expires, and renewal requires an eye test, photographs, fingerprints and the prescribed fee. Driving on an expired licence card is an offence, and it can affect your insurance.
Renewal is not automatic and no reminder is guaranteed. Applications can be made in advance of expiry, and doing so is strongly advisable given the appointment backlogs that have affected licensing centres.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
Renewal is assessed on the following.
- A driving licence card that is valid or recently expired
- An eye test, either at the centre or by an optometrist on the prescribed form
- Photographs taken at the centre
- Your fingerprints, taken at the centre
- Proof of residential address
- Payment of the prescribed fee
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The licence card has a validity period and must be renewed on expiry. Your underlying driving entitlement does not lapse in the same way, but driving without a valid card is an offence.
Where you also hold a professional driving permit, it renews separately and on its own schedule. Renewing the licence card does not renew the permit.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
No vehicle is involved in a driving licence card renewal, since the licence attaches to you as a driver.
Vehicle licence disc renewal is a separate process with its own deadline, requiring the vehicle registration details and, where applicable, a roadworthy certificate.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
Take the following to the appointment.
- Your current driving licence card
- Your identity document
- Proof of residential address
- The completed application form
- The eye test result, where done externally
- Payment of the prescribed fee
Registration or Application Process
Book an appointment in advance where booking is available, since walk-in capacity at many centres is limited and backlogs have been significant.
Apply before expiry. Renewing after expiry can require additional steps, and driving in the interim is an offence regardless of the reason for the delay.
A temporary driving licence can generally be issued while you wait for the card, and it is worth requesting one if your renewal is close to expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I renew my driving licence?
Before it expires. Applications can be made in advance, and doing so is advisable given appointment backlogs.
Do I need an eye test?
Yes. It can be done at the centre or by an optometrist on the prescribed form.
Can I drive on an expired licence card?
No. It is an offence and can affect your insurance.
Does renewing my licence renew my PrDP?
No. A professional driving permit renews separately and on its own schedule.
Confirm current fees, validity periods and booking procedures with your provincial licensing authority or driving licence testing centre. Browse all driving and transport requirements.