Driver's Licence Guide

Getting your South African driver's licence is a two-step process: first pass the K53 learner's licence test, then pass the practical driving test. This guide walks you through every requirement, document, fee, and procedure so you know exactly what to expect — from your first visit to the DLTC to the day your licence card arrives in the post.

Learner's Licence Requirements

Before you can take the learner's licence test you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Minimum age: 17 years old for Code B (light motor vehicle) and Code A1 / Code 1 (motorcycle up to 125 cc). You must be 18 for codes requiring a prior licence (Code 10, Code 14).
  • Identity document: A valid South African green barcoded ID book or smart card ID. Foreign nationals require a valid passport and a valid temporary residence permit. No ID, no test.
  • Eye test: Your eyesight will be tested at the DLTC on the day of your application. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them and they will be noted on your licence. You must meet the minimum visual acuity standard (6/12 in the better eye, or 6/9 with correction).
  • Application fee: Approximately R78 for the learner's licence application (fees are set by provincial governments and may differ slightly by province — confirm with your local DLTC). Additional fees apply for the test itself and for the actual licence card.

How to Apply for a Learner's Licence

  1. Book your appointment at a Driver's Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). In most provinces you can book online through the eNaTIS portal (enatis.com) or by visiting the DLTC in person. DLTCs are usually located at or near the local traffic department offices.
  2. Gather your documents:
    • Original ID document (not a photocopy)
    • Two certified copies of your ID
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs (black and white or colour)
    • The application fee in cash or by the payment method accepted at your DLTC
  3. On test day: Arrive on time (or slightly early). You will first complete an eye test. If you pass the eye test, you will sit the computer-based K53 theory test. The test consists of:
    • Road signs: 25 questions (must score at least 23/25)
    • Rules of the road: 25 questions (must score at least 22/25)
    • Vehicle controls: 8 questions (must score at least 6/8)
  4. Receiving your learner's licence: If you pass, your learner's licence is typically printed and issued on the same day. It is valid for 24 months. You may use it to drive on public roads under the supervision of a licensed driver who holds a valid licence for the same vehicle code.

Download the official form: Download LL1 Form (PDF)

The K53 Driving Test

Once you hold a learner's licence you may book the practical driving test at a DLTC. The driving test has two parts: a yard test and a road test.

Yard Test

Conducted in the DLTC testing yard before you enter public roads. The examiner checks:

  • Pre-trip safety inspection of the vehicle (lights, tyres, oil, water, etc.)
  • Alley docking (reversing into a bay)
  • Parallel parking
  • Three-point turn (turn in the road)
  • Starting on an incline (handbrake start on a slope)

Road Test

The examiner accompanies you on a route in the surrounding streets. They assess:

  • Moving off and stopping correctly
  • Mirror use, observation, and blind-spot checks at every manoeuvre
  • Correct road positioning and lane discipline
  • Obeying traffic signs, signals, and road markings
  • Correct following distance (two-second rule in good conditions)
  • Safe and correct turning and lane changing
  • Speed management — keeping within the speed limit
  • Interaction with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles

The examiner uses a score sheet. You start with a full score and lose marks for each error. Certain serious errors (called "immediate failures" or "critical errors") result in automatic failure regardless of other marks. These include: not stopping at a red light, not stopping at a stop sign, causing an accident, or requiring the examiner to intervene for safety.

Licence Code Conversion Table

South Africa transitioned from numbered codes to international letter-based codes in 1998. Many people still use the old terms (like “Code 8” or “Code 10”), but official documents use the new system.

Old Code New Code Vehicle Type Weight/Size Limit Includes Min Age
Code 1 A1 Light motorcycles Engine up to 125cc — 16 (learner), 17 (licence)
Code 2 A All motorcycles Any engine size A1 18
Code 7 B Light motor vehicles GVM up to 3,500 kg; trailer up to 750 kg — 17 (learner), 18 (licence)
Code 8 EB Light vehicles + heavy trailer GVM up to 3,500 kg; trailer over 750 kg B 18
Code 10 C1 Medium-heavy vehicles GVM 3,501–16,000 kg B 18
Code 11 EC1 Medium articulated vehicles GCM 3,501–16,000 kg B, EB, C1 18
Code 13 C Heavy rigid vehicles GVM over 16,000 kg B, C1 18
Code 14 EC Heavy articulated vehicles GCM over 16,000 kg All except A 18

Learner's Licence Codes

Learner's licences still use a numerical system:

  • Code 1: Motorcycles (for Code A1/A)
  • Code 2: Light motor vehicles (for Code B/EB) — GVM up to 3,500 kg
  • Code 3: All motor vehicles except motorcycles (for Code C1/C/EC1/EC) — GVM over 3,500 kg

Note: Old-format licences must be converted to the new credit-card style at a DLTC.

Each code requires its own learner's licence test and practical driving test. Higher codes (C1, C, EC1, EC) require you to already hold the prerequisite lower code before applying.

Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)

If you plan to drive for income — whether transporting goods, passengers, or dangerous materials — you will also need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in addition to the correct licence code. A PrDP is an endorsement on your licence card, not a separate licence. There are three categories:

  • Category G (Goods): For goods vehicles over 3,500 kg GVM. Age 18+.
  • Category P (Passengers): For vehicles carrying 12+ passengers or any vehicle used for public transport. Age 21+.
  • Category D (Dangerous Goods): For transporting hazardous materials. Age 25+. Requires approved training.

Read our complete PrDP guide →

Costs and Fees

The following fees are approximate and set by provincial authorities. Confirm current fees with your local DLTC as they are subject to change.

  • Learner's licence application: approximately R78
  • Learner's licence retest (if failed): approximately R78 per attempt
  • Driving test (first attempt): approximately R250–R350 depending on province
  • Driving test retest: same fee per attempt
  • Licence card (issued after passing driving test): approximately R150–R250
  • Licence renewal: approximately R220–R300 for the card

Some DLTCs charge an additional eye test fee (approximately R10–R30). Ask your DLTC for a full fee schedule before your visit.

How to Renew Your Driver's Licence

South African driver's licences are valid for five years from the date of issue. Driving with an expired licence is a traffic offence that can result in a fine or prosecution. Start the renewal process at least four weeks before your licence expires to allow enough time for processing.

Documents Required for Renewal

  • Identity document: Your South African green barcoded ID book, smart card ID, or valid passport (plus a certified copy).
  • Current licence card: Bring your existing driver's licence card, even if it has expired.
  • Photographs: 2–4 recent ID-size photographs (black-and-white or colour are both acceptable).
  • Proof of residential address: A utility bill (rates, water, electricity) issued within the last 3 months. If you live in an informal settlement or cannot produce a utility bill, a signed letter from your local ward councillor confirming your address is accepted at most DLTCs.
  • Renewal fee: Approximately R360 (fees are set by provincial authorities and vary slightly). Most DLTCs accept cash only — confirm with your DLTC before arriving.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

  1. Book an appointment. Online booking is available via the NATIS portal (natis.gov.za) for DLTCs in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. In other provinces, contact your local DLTC by phone or visit in person to book.
  2. Complete form DL1 at the testing centre on the day of your appointment. Staff can assist you if needed.
  3. Eye test. A vision test is conducted at the DLTC and is included in the renewal fee. Alternatively, you may bring a recent report from a registered optometrist.
  4. Fingerprint scan. A fingerprint scan is taken for identity verification as part of the renewal process.
  5. Pay the renewal fee at the cashier. Most DLTCs are cash only; some larger centres accept card payments. Ask when you book.
  6. Receive a temporary licence (if required) valid for up to one year while your new licence card is processed.
  7. Wait 4–6 weeks for your new licence card to be produced. You can track the status of your application by sending an SMS with your ID number to 33214.
  8. Collect your new card. You will be notified when your card is ready. Bring your ID and proof of payment to collect it. You may authorise someone else to collect on your behalf by providing them with a signed affidavit and your ID and proof of payment.

If Your Licence Has Already Expired

You can still renew an expired licence using the same process and documents. However, you must also pay an additional fee for a temporary driving licence (approximately R54–R94 depending on province), which is issued immediately and allows you to drive legally while your new card is being processed. You cannot legally drive with only an expired card — obtain the temporary licence before driving.

Lost or Stolen Licence

If your licence has been lost or stolen, follow these steps:

  1. Report the loss or theft to your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station and obtain a police affidavit.
  2. Bring the affidavit to the DLTC along with all the standard renewal documents listed above.
  3. The same renewal process and fees apply as for a standard renewal.

Summary of Renewal Fees (Approximate)

  • Standard renewal fee: ~R360 (varies by province)
  • Temporary licence (if expired or lost): ~R54–R94

Fees are set by provincial governments and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee schedule with your local DLTC before your appointment.

Converting a Foreign Driver's Licence

If you hold a valid foreign driving licence and have become a permanent resident or South African citizen, you may convert it to a South African licence without writing the learner's test or taking the full driving test, provided:

  • The foreign licence is valid and has not expired.
  • You have a certified translation if the licence is not in English.
  • The foreign licence was issued by a country whose licensing standards are recognised by South Africa (most international licences qualify).
  • You apply within the validity period of the foreign licence.

The conversion process involves visiting a DLTC with your foreign licence, valid passport, South African ID or permanent residence permit, and two passport photographs. An eye test will be conducted. In some cases, the examiner may require a practical yard test or road test to confirm competency. Contact your nearest DLTC or the provincial traffic authority for the specific requirements that apply to your country of origin.

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