Advice for Drivers Whose Licence Cards Expired During the Printing Machine Breakdown

South Africa’s sole driver’s licence card printing machine – ja, that ancient dinosaur – remains broken, and this time it’s caused one serious mess.

If your driver’s licence card expired during this chaos, you’re not alone. Thousands of motorists, including truckers, are left in the lurch with no clue what to do.

Let’s break it down properly, so you don’t get caught offside at a roadblock or, worse, have your insurance refuse to pay out.

What’s Actually Going On?

The machine, based at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) in Gauteng, is over 26 years old and has broken down more than 150 times – no jokes.

As of early 2025, it hasn’t printed a single card since January. DLTCs in places like Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg are taking in applications but can’t deliver the cards.

To make matters worse, the Transport Department promised a new smart card system years ago, but delays and dodgy tender issues have kept that plan in limbo. Meanwhile, drivers are stuck without valid cards.

So What Can You Do If Yours Expired?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out if your licence expired while this printing nightmare was going on:

1. Apply for a Temporary Driving Licence (TDL)

First thing’s first — head to your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) and apply for a TDL. It’s valid for six months and acts as a legal replacement for your physical card.

Read | Broken Driver’s Licence Printer Will Be Fixed by 12 May, Says Creecy

It costs about R90 and can be issued on the same day.

For truck drivers, especially long-haulers, make sure you get this sorted before heading out on your next trip. You don’t want to be caught in another province with expired papers.

2. Keep Your Paper Trail Tight

Once you’ve applied, don’t just rely on your TDL. Keep all receipts and confirmation slips from your application. This can help big time if you’re stopped at a roadblock and the cop decides to play tough.

Also, some insurance companies might ask for proof that you attempted to renew your card in time — especially if you’re involved in an accident. Without that, you might struggle to claim.

3. Stay in the Loop

Follow updates from the Department of Transport, or better yet, let SA Trucker keep you posted. We’ll be watching every move, especially for our trucking community.

Whether it’s a new machine arriving, or the long-promised smart card finally launching, we’ll break it down for you.

4. Don’t Let the Card Expire Next Time

Until this mess is sorted out, do yourself a favour — renew your card way in advance. The backlog is massive, and you might be stuck for months without a valid card if you leave it too late.

This is even more important if you’re applying from rural areas, where delays are even worse.

5. Keep Calm, but Be Smart

If you’re pulled over and your card’s expired, explain the situation respectfully and show your TDL and proof of renewal. Most officers understand, but remember — you’re technically breaking the law if you don’t have a valid licence or temporary.

This whole situation shows just how broken the system is. But you, the driver, still carry the risk. Until government gets their act together with the new system and replacement machines, you’ve got to cover your own back.

Don’t take chances on the road. Whether you’re pushing loads up Van Reenen or making local deliveries in the Mother City, make sure your papers are in order.