New Driving License Cards in South Africa: A Big Step Closer

New Driving License Cards in South Africa: A Big Step Closer

South Africa is edging closer to finally rolling out its much-anticipated upgrades to its new driving license cards. The Department of Transport has taken a significant step by appointing Idemia Identity and Security as the preferred bidder for producing these new cards. This decision, approved in early August, marks a turning point in the country’s efforts to modernise its driving license system, which has been plagued by delays and inefficiencies.

The Current State of New Driving License Cards in South Africa

For over 25 years, South Africa has relied on a single printer for all its driving license card production. This outdated system has been a bottleneck, leading to substantial backlogs and frustration among drivers. The current process, which takes an average of 14 working days to complete a single card, has proven insufficient, especially as the demand for renewals has surged. At its worst, the backlog of license renewal applications reached a staggering 1.3 million between 2022 and 2023.

The Need for an Upgrade

The call for a new driving license cards system stems from the many challenges that the current setup presents. The existing printer is not only slow but also prone to frequent malfunctions, exacerbating the backlog issue. Furthermore, the security features of the current cards are outdated, making them more susceptible to fraud and counterfeiting. These issues have highlighted the urgent need for a more efficient and secure solution.

The enhanced security features of the new driving license cards are a crucial step towards combating fraud and ensuring the integrity of the system.

The Appointment of Idemia Identity and Security

In response to these challenges, the Department of Transport initiated a bidding process to find a company capable of producing new driving license cards with enhanced security features. Idemia Identity and Security, a global leader in biometrics and cryptography, emerged as the preferred bidder. The company has a strong track record, working with over 600 government and federal departments worldwide, including South Africa’s Airports Company (ACSA) and Tymebank.

The selection of Idemia was not without competition. Five bidders put forward proposals, including Ren-Form Corporate Print Media, Nec Xon Systems (PTY) LTD, Muehlbauer ID Services GMBH, and Gemalto Altron Fintech Southern Africa (PTY) LTD. However, Idemia’s expertise in security and its established presence in South Africa made it the ideal choice for this critical project.

Security Features of the New Driving License Cards

One of the most significant improvements expected with the new driving license cards is the enhancement of security features. The current cards have been in circulation for many years, and their security measures have become increasingly vulnerable to tampering. The new cards, produced by Idemia, will include advanced security features designed to clamp down on fraud and counterfeiting. These features will make it much more difficult for criminals to produce fake licenses, thereby increasing the integrity of the system.

Improvements in Production Efficiency

Alongside the enhanced security features, the new driving license card production process is set to become much more efficient. The new machines, which Idemia will be responsible for operating, are expected to produce multiple cards daily, significantly reducing the time it takes to issue a license. This improvement is crucial for addressing the backlog that has plagued the system for years. With faster production times, the Department of Transport aims to ensure that drivers receive their licenses promptly, reducing the wait time and associated frustrations.

The New Driving License Card Design

While the exact design of the new driving license cards has yet to be revealed, it is expected that they will look very different from the current ones. According to a transport department tender document, the new cards will feature updated designs that incorporate the latest in security technology. This redesign will not only make the cards more secure but also give them a modern, refreshed appearance that reflects the technological advancements behind them.

Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) Upgrades

In preparation for the new driving license cards, the Department of Transport has also been working on upgrading its Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) and the associated systems. These upgrades aim to make the process of applying for and renewing licenses much more straightforward for South Africans. By modernising the systems at DLTCs, the department hopes to streamline operations, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall experience for drivers.

The Controversy Around License Validity Periods

One area of contention in the rollout of the new driving license cards is the validity period of the licenses. Currently, South African driving licenses are valid for five years. There has been a push, supported by research from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), to extend this period to eight years for light vehicles. However, despite these recommendations, the Department of Transport has decided to maintain the five-year validity period for the new cards.

Research Findings by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)

The RTMC’s research, conducted by consultants Zutari and published in May 2022, argued that an eight-year validity period would be more suitable for light vehicles in South Africa. The report suggested that extending the validity period would reduce the administrative burden on both the government and drivers, who currently have to renew their licenses every five years. Despite this, the department has chosen not to extend the validity, citing concerns related to health and wellness.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa)’s Involvement

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has been vocal in its criticism of the decision not to extend the license validity period. Outa has accused the Department of Transport of ignoring the RTMC’s findings and has questioned the reasoning behind maintaining the five-year interval. Outa’s stance is that the decision goes against the research and is not in the best interest of South African drivers, who would benefit from a longer validity period.

Health and Wellness Considerations

One of the key reasons given by the Department of Transport for maintaining the five-year validity period is the issue of health and wellness. The department has argued that regular renewals are necessary to ensure that drivers’ vision and overall health are adequate for safe driving. Eye tests, which are part of the renewal process, can detect deteriorating vision and other conditions that may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. The department has also cited concerns about communicable diseases, although this reasoning has been met with scepticism by some stakeholders, including Outa.

While the technological advancements are welcomed, the decision to ignore research and maintain the five-year validity period is illogical and disadvantages South African drivers.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect

As South Africa moves closer to the rollout of the new driving license cards, there are several expectations and potential challenges on the horizon. The exact timeline for when drivers can expect to start using the new cards has not yet been confirmed, as the department is still finalising the service-level agreement with Idemia. However, with the upgrades in production technology and security features, it is hoped that the transition to the new system will be smooth and that the issues of the past will be resolved.

Public Response and Stakeholder Opinions

The public and various stakeholders have had mixed reactions to the news of the new driving license cards. While many welcome the upgrades, particularly the improvements in security and efficiency, others are concerned about the decision not to extend the validity period. The debate over the validity period is likely to continue, with organisations like Outa pushing for reconsideration of the department’s decision. Overall, the sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with hopes that the new system will bring much-needed improvements to South Africa’s driving license infrastructure.

Conclusion: New Driving License Cards

The introduction of new driving license cards in South Africa represents a significant step towards modernising the country’s driving license system. With enhanced security features and improved production efficiency, the new cards are expected to address many of the issues that have plagued the system for years.

However, the decision to maintain the current five-year validity period has sparked controversy, with calls for a re-evaluation of this choice. As the rollout of the new cards draws closer, all eyes will be on how effectively the Department of Transport can implement these changes and whether they will deliver the promised benefits to South African drivers.

FAQs – New Driving License Cards