Driving Licence Delays Continue in South Africa as Printing Machine Breaks Down Again

Motorists in South Africa are once again caught in a bureaucratic traffic jam — this time, due to a critical equipment failure. The country’s only driving licence card printing machine has broken down, delaying the production of new and renewed driving licence cards for thousands of drivers.

According to the City of Cape Town, the printing delays began in January 2025, with not a single card received since then despite nearly 60,000 applications being processed at their centres. The issue was first flagged in March and has since been confirmed, with the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) in Pretoria struggling to restore services.

“It is our understanding that the machine used in the production of the cards broke down yet again – and since repairs can only happen abroad, it is anyone’s guess as to when the situation will be remedied,” the city said in a statement.

What to Do If Your Driving Licence Has Expired

If you’re one of the many South Africans affected by this delay, here’s what you need to know:

• Your expired driving licence card remains valid for three months, provided:

  • You applied for renewal before the expiry date, and

  • You have the expired card and proof of payment on you.

• If your new card hasn’t arrived within three months, you’ll need to:

  • Apply for a temporary driving licence, which costs R45 and is valid for six months or until your new card arrives.

“This does not apply to new drivers,” the City clarified, “who are issued a temporary licence upon passing their driving test.”

No Fix in Sight: Tender Controversy Deepens the Crisis

The delay is more than just a mechanical issue — it’s part of a deeper governance challenge.

A tender process to acquire new machines and modernised licence cards has been flagged for irregularities. The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) identified several violations of procurement procedures, including non-compliance with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and DLCA policies.

The proposed tender, worth nearly R900 million, was found to exceed DLCA’s R490 million budget. Legal action is now underway to halt the contract, but this means additional delays in replacing the outdated and fragile printer.

According to civil watchdog group Outa, South Africa remains stuck with an “old, single and breakdown-prone printing machine.”

While Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has yet to outline a clear plan to resolve the crisis, motorists are urged to follow legal channels and keep necessary documents on hand.

With no quick solution in sight, patience and proactive planning are essential for drivers needing to stay on the right side of the law.

{Source BusinessTech}

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