What would you do: Drivers License Question

[Mad Manny]

My drivers license expires on 21 November 2023.
So, in theory I need to apply for a new one.
BUT! there is talk of the validity being extended.
There is also a new license card, apparently, on it's way.

Should I wait for November & then start the renewal process...
or...
Should I try wait until we get clarity

[Mad Manny]

Some Background:
When SA moved to the Driver's license card, in 1998, they, if I recall, started with people born in June or July.
They had 3 months to apply, then they moved to people born in August, and so on...
The theory being that, after 36 months everyone would have the new card.

My birth month is September, so, if I recall, we were the 4th batch up.
But I ignored it.
Finally after a few years, they asked all those who had missed out to apply.
I ignored them like I ignore SABC TV Licenses.
Then they got serious& gave a few months for everyone, without the new card, to come forward.
I ignored them, like an e-Toll bill.
Then they gave one final month.
I ignored them.
Finally they added another week - stressing that this was it.
I ignored them, like a text from an Ex.
They they admitted there were thousands who hadn't taken the new card & gave another week.
I ignored them like an awkward ginger stepchild.
Finally they said Friday 5 O'clock is it!!!
I ignored them like a traffic light beggar.
They announced Licensing offices would be open till 20:00 that Friday.
Still I ignored them, like rep in a supermarket.
Then they made an announcement that they would remain open until Sunday.
I finally went on Sunday & applied.

So I got my first card after most people were nearly at the end of their 5 year cycle..

Then I renewed about 4 months late on first renewal, so 10 years in I had only just received my 2nd card.
However, subsequently they backdate the renewal to the day the previous card expired.
So renewing late doesn't help anymore.

So, over the 25 years that SA has had Drivers cards, instead of now needing to apply for my 6th card, I'm applying for my 5th.

I have a few funny stories about being stopped with an expired license that Ill share over a beer.

Anyhoo, back to the question: What wold you do?

.

[Crips]

Even if they extend it it will probably only be valid once you have renewed.
So I would wait till the first week of November, you dont want to have to pay for a temp license, but if you go the first week you can just drive around with your receipt so if it takes them 3 months to issue the new one, not your problem

[Johannes]

Just ignore them till new card comes in .

[ZR6SGN]

As I understand it, and contrary to popular belief, the validity of a drivers licence never expires. Only the card does; but you still have a valid licence, even if you don’t have a card. Renewals are a money making scam. But I still have no idea what I would do in your shoes.

[ZR6SGN]

But the way, I have never applied for a temporary licence - even when I have been late. That’s also a money making scheme.

[Samaya]

Apply in November. Keep the receipt. Maybe you are lucky and will receive the new version by accident in the new year

[Disco Nic]

As I understand it, and contrary to popular belief, the validity of a drivers licence never expires. Only the card does; but you still have a valid licence, even if you don’t have a card. Renewals are a money making scam. But I still have no idea what I would do in your shoes.

Correct.

[Saxj]

I just renewed my licence card. It took less than 20 minutes at RTMC Waterfall to get a temporary licence. It took about a month for the card to arrive.

[NINJA]

Novermber is still 3 months away for you to wait and see if government can deliver on their promise of the new cards..... Which I doubt. By that time you will in any case be beter equiped to make in informed decision on wheter to get a new card or juts ignore it again.

[LX]

Renew as per normal on the 20th November, and drive around with your Receipt and Old License.

[Erin]

If you have an accident and your license card has expired, your insurers are going to require you to apply for the renewal, and either provide the renewed card, or a temporary license, before they will process your claim.

[Outlaw Shaun]

Wow , our own moninated rebel ,
Do like youve done here and ignore it

[jakeslouw]

I'm in the same boat. Have to renew in October. By then, I hope they have implemented the new card system.

[Redman]

Just avoid any metro police otherwise you will have endless requests for these...