Transport dept. misses deadline for 2024 South African driver’s licence cards
The Department of Transport has missed its own deadline for the implementation of 2024 South African driver’s licence cards. But why …
It looks like another goal for 2024 South African driver’s licence cards, as a key deadline has been missed yet again by the Department of Transport (DOT). Back in June 2023, it was announced by DOT spokesperson Collen Msibi that new licence cards linked to a bespoke Driver’s Licence Card Account (DLCA) would be rolled out by 1 April 2024. According to a report by TopAuto, this should have followed an exhaustive four-month pilot programme.
2024 SOUTH AFRICAN DRIVER’S LICENCE CARDS
What followed was much speculation over what the 2024 cards would look like. The South African managed to source unconfirmed examples (pictured). Worse still, the DOT has remained stoically silent on the subject ever since. With the pilot phase rollout comprehensively missed, we can only assume the earliest the department can bring these 2024 South African driver’s licence cards online is nearer October 2024.
The most obvious and realistic reason behind the delay may be licence card printing. The DOT has struggled to keep even its existing card machines functioning. Therefore, securing and awarding a tender for a new printer is a likely reason behind the indefinite delay. Another may be the information technology challenges of the planned paperless shift to Driver’s Licence Card Accounts (DLCAs).
WHAT ABOUT THE NEW CARDS?
Looking at the proposed new cards, you’ll notice nuanced changes between the current and 2024 South African driver’s licence cards. The new one appears more space-efficient, while the current one uses almost unnecessarily small font. Similarly, the ID photos shift position. They move to top left from top right and this makes more sense as the eye travels naturally from left to right.
Moreover, it’s understood that 2024 South African driver’s licence cards will be able to store 710 bytes of data. From the holder’s initials, surname, identity number, driver’s licence number, date of issue and expiration date. There is also a watermark of the King Protea and a reflective security strip across the front as additional safety mechanisms to stop counterfeits.
HIGH TECH
Around the back, the barcoded strip is still prominent. However, the space for the usually unidentifiable fingerprint has now been removed. Crucially, DOT says new cards will carry improved security features. These include biometric data and holograms. An entirely new electronic licence system will also be linked to everyone’s individual accounts. The DOT argues this will make renewing driver’s and vehicle licences quicker and easier by going totally paperless.