The driving licence card crisis that left hundreds of thousands of South African motorists in limbo is finally showing signs of relief. Data from the Department of Transport shows the driving licence card application backlog has dropped from 756 227 cards in May to 336 028 by mid-September. The turnaround followed the repair of the country’s only card printing machine, which failed in February after decades of service and more than 160 breakdowns. According to reports, the Driving Licence Card Authority has been running 24-hour shifts since repairs were completed. Under the plan, the Government Printing Works, responsible for passports and Smart ID cards, will also produce driving licences.