A professional driving permit shall be valid for a period of 24 months from the date of authorisation thereof as referred to in regulation 119(1)(a) unless the permit or a driving licence of the person concerned has been suspended or cancelled. Provided that where a person has applied for a new professional driving permit in the manner contemplated in subregulation (2) on or before the expiry date of the professional driving permit held by such person, the new professional driving permit shall be valid for a period of 24 months from the date after the expiry date of the professional driving permit held by such person.