South Africa’s reliance on physical driver’s licence cards and vehicle discs could soon be outdated — and unnecessary. Road safety expert and Driving.co.za director Rob Handfield-Jones is calling for a bold shift to a fully digital, permanent licensing system that would render analogue documents obsolete.
Physical Cards and Discs Are Outdated
According to Handfield-Jones, every driver has fingerprints and every car has a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) — so there’s no technical reason for paper-based permits.
He argues that, like SARS collects taxes through mobile apps, traffic authorities could use a similar digital system to verify a driver’s identity and vehicle credentials instantly.
While South Africa has been planning to roll out an electronic driving licence (eDL) alongside a new card-based format, the project has suffered delays and controversy. The tender to implement the system was only awarded in August 2024 and is now under legal scrutiny.
Calls to Skip the Card and Go Fully Digital
Instead of fighting over card printer contracts and incurring massive costs, Handfield-Jones says the government should adopt a smartphone-based licensing app. He believes an app could be developed for a fraction of the R334 million each card printer is expected to cost.
More importantly, going digital would eliminate the justification for card renewals, which he sees as a major revenue generator for the state rather than a public safety measure.
What’s Holding Back the Shift?
The Department of Transport claims the project must move ahead to modernise South Africa’s licensing system. However, critics like the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) argue the awarded tender is fraught with irregularities and should be cancelled.
Legal advisers warn that cancelling the tender could trigger years of legal battles. Nonetheless, civil society groups say moving forward with a flawed contract would be a massive governance failure.
The Case for Ditching Physical Documents
Handfield-Jones points out that most traffic officers already carry devices that scan digital IDs — and that the technology infrastructure is in place. Whether it’s through an app or a digital wallet like Apple Wallet, a QR-based licence system is entirely feasible.
Globally, countries such as Norway, Denmark, Mexico, and several U.S. states have begun adopting digital driver’s licences that can be accessed on smartphones. These systems offer real-time validation, better security, and convenience.
Follow the Money
Handfield-Jones believes resistance to digital licensing is not about technology — it’s about money. The government stands to earn billions through card renewal fees, even though the actual cost per card is less than R20.
With renewals costing over R200 per card, he estimates the state could rake in over R11 billion every 20 years, without delivering clear safety benefits.
Road Safety Needs Real Reform
Perhaps the most alarming part of his argument is the link between licence card renewals and South Africa’s rising road fatality rates. Handfield-Jones says these cards have no measurable impact on safety.
He attributes the spike in road deaths to licensing corruption, where unqualified drivers obtain licences through bribery. Since 1998 — when renewals were introduced — the fatality rate has quadrupled.
He believes corrupt licensing processes have contributed to over 300,000 excess deaths on South African roads.
FAQs
Why does Rob Handfield-Jones want to scrap driver’s licence cards?
He believes that South Africa already has the infrastructure to support a secure digital licence system, making physical cards unnecessary and costly.
What is the main issue with physical driving licence renewals?
Handfield-Jones argues that renewals serve as a revenue stream for the government rather than improving road safety.
Can traffic officers scan digital driving licences in South Africa?
Yes. Devices used by traffic officers are capable of scanning digital barcodes, including those shown on smartphone screens.
What are the benefits of going digital with licences?
A digital system offers enhanced security, less fraud, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, without requiring costly printers or physical production.
Why is the government hesitant to move away from cards?
According to critics, the state generates significant income from the production and renewal of licence cards — income that would vanish with a digital-only system.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.