The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will allow motorists holding what were formerly permanent driver’s licences to extend them for 10 more years.

Additionally, drivers holding the 60-year driver’s licence will be allowed to use it until it expires. The 60-year period is based on the driver’s date of birth.

The decision was made during the National Road Safety Committee meeting on March 10. There had been hesitation from motorists holding the old licenses to get a new one valid for just 10 years.

Ministry spokesman Ma Senghout yesterday said switching to a 10-year model allowed the government to monitor the health of motorists and determine whether they are still able to drive or not.

Currently, a driver’s licence type B for a family vehicle of four costs 90,000 riel, about $22.50, and is valid for 10 years.

Driver’s licence type C, for trucks, and D, for large-sized passenger vehicles, are 95,000 riel, about $23.70, and valid for five years.

In January, Prime Minister Hun Sen declared that no licence at all would be required for those driving motorbikes of 125cc or lower horsepower.