DRIVERS who were biting their nails over the closure of many licencing and testing centres in the past few weeks breathed a sigh of relief at the announcement of an extension to the validity of their driving permits.
Amendments to the regulations gazetted on Wednesday, 22 July, mean many drivers will not have to fear being caught without a licence.
BREAKING: All learners licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expired from 26 March up to 31 Aug 2020 are extended to 31 Jan 2021 @MbalulaFikile @TrafficRTMC @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/FVsfBKleSC
— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) July 22, 2020
“All learner’s licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 August 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity period is extended for a further grace period ending on 31 January 2021.”
In the past few weeks many people have been on tenterhooks following the closure of 13 of the licensing centres due to staffers testing positive for Covid-19.
ALSO READ: Licencing centres temporarily closed due to Covid-19 cases
Private drivers
The regulations also offered relief for private drivers and those with temporary permits and roadworthy certificates due to expire.
“All motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates that expired during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 May 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity period is extended for a further grace period ending on 31 August 2020,” states the regulations.
Motor trade licences
Car dealers and others in the motor trade also had some good news.
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“Motor trade number licences that expired during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 May 2020 are deemed to be valid and are extended for a further grace period ending on 30 November 2020,” stated the new regulations.
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