11 May 2006
Pretoria - The Department of Transport is urging all holders of South
African driverâs licences to renew them before the expiry date to avoid delays
and a big rush for renewal. This comes amid revelations that only 100 000
renewals are being processed per month instead of a projected 300 000 licences.
It was recently reported that there were 255 366 expired driverâs licences and
85 968 for professional drivers (drivers of taxis, buses and trucks).
The Department has also emphasised that after the expiry date the holder
does not have proof of a valid driverâs licence and runs the risk of being
prosecuted. In the event of a crash, they may not be able to claim from the
Road Accident Fund (RAF) or their own insurance companies, as they will be
without proof of a valid licence.
We appeal to drivers to check when their licences expire, and to renew them
in time to avoid long queues and inconveniences. Law enforcement authorities
are encouraged to prosecute drivers for failure to produce proof of a valid
driver's licence.
The renewal includes a medical declaration, eye testing and updating of
personal information to ensure validity of the document.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Issued by: Department of Transport
11 May 2006
Source: Sapa
