We welcome government’s decision to extend South African driving licences from five to 10 years. It is encouraging to see government listening to motorists, who have long complained about frequent renewals. Five years is simply not a long enough validity period.
This decision should ease pressure on the licensing system while helping licence holders save on renewal fees and avoid long queues at licensing departments.
If government can recognise the economic benefits of extending driving-licence validity, it should consider doing the same for the taxi industry by restoring indefinite taxi operating permits.
This would be one of the most meaningful steps government could take for the country’s most important public transport sector, especially while the taxi industry remains unsubsidised.
We remain hopeful, as government is proving to be more responsive, considerate and caring.
