South Africa’s Driving Licence Card Backlog Set to Ease as Production Ramps Up
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Motorists across the nation who have been facing agonizing delays in receiving their new driving licence cards can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. The Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) entity has announced a significant increase in production capacity, a move set to tackle the persistent backlog that has plagued the system for months. This development promises to streamline the process, reducing waiting times and alleviating a major point of frustration for millions of drivers.
The root of the recent crisis lay with the breakdown of the country’s sole driving licence card printing machine in March 2025. This single point of failure brought the entire national production system to a standstill, creating a massive backlog that continued to grow even after the machine was repaired. The situation left thousands of motorists in legal limbo, driving with expired licences through no fault of their own and facing potential fines. For ongoing coverage of developments that affect everyday South Africans, follow the latest updates on South Africa News.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Doubling Production Output
The new strategy, as confirmed by the DLCA, involves a decisive shift to a 24-hour production cycle. By operating the production facility around the clock, the entity aims to dramatically increase its output. Prior to the machine’s breakdown, the system was producing approximately 60,000 cards per day. The initial goal of the intensified effort is to clear the existing backlog, which had ballooned to over 350,000 cards, by the end of October 2025.
This ramped-up production is not just about catching up; it’s about building a buffer. Once the backlog is eliminated, the DLCA plans to maintain a higher daily production rate to prevent a similar crisis from occurring in the future. This proactive approach is crucial for handling the constant influx of new applications and renewals from a driving population of millions. The importance of a valid driving licence cannot be overstated, as it is a key document for legal compliance, identity verification, and vehicle-related transactions.
“The Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) entity has good news for people waiting for their driving licence cards — its production has ramped up significantly and is operating 24 hours a day to clear the backlog,” the entity confirmed in a statement covered by MyBroadband.
The logistical challenge of distributing these newly printed cards across South Africa’s nine provinces is also being addressed. The DLCA has assured the public that it is working closely with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and provincial authorities to ensure efficient delivery to the various Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs). Motorists are encouraged to use online tracking systems where available to check the status of their card without having to make unnecessary trips to the testing centre.
A Look Ahead: The Future of the Driving Licence in South Africa
While the increased production is a critical short-term solution, it has also reignited the conversation about the long-term future of the driving licence in South Africa. The current card system, while improved with security features over the years, still represents a centralized, physical document that is vulnerable to production delays, loss, and damage. The recent backlog has served as a potent catalyst for change, pushing digital solutions to the forefront.
The most promising development on the horizon is the official move towards a digital driving licence. The Department of Transport has been actively developing an electronic version of the licence that would be accessible via a smartphone app. This digital credential would be legally recognized alongside the physical card, providing a convenient and secure alternative. A digital driving licence would eliminate waiting periods entirely for those who opt-in, as approval would grant immediate access to the digital version. It would also reduce the administrative burden on DLTCs and mitigate the impact of any future production issues.
“This is a welcome development for the millions of South African motorists who have been stuck in a cycle of applying for a temporary licence while waiting for their physical card to be printed and delivered,” the report noted, highlighting the relief this news will bring.
However, the transition to a digital system comes with its own set of challenges, including ensuring nationwide digital accessibility, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and training law enforcement officials on how to verify digital credentials effectively. Despite these hurdles, the momentum is building. The crisis has made it abundantly clear that modernizing the country’s driving licence system is not just a matter of convenience but one of essential infrastructure resilience.
For now, the focus remains on clearing the backlog and restoring efficiency to the current system. The DLCA’s commitment to a 24-hour production schedule is a decisive and necessary step that will provide immediate relief. As the machinery hums through the night, it represents not just the printing of plastic cards, but the restoration of order and a commitment to better service delivery for all South African motorists. The full details of the production increase can be found in the original report by MyBroadband.
