Apply For Learner Licence in South Africa 2025
A learner’s licence is a permit that proves you have basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and the rules of the road. It allows you to drive under supervision and is valid for 24 months. Learner’s licences are issued in three main categories based on vehicle type, with specific age requirements. These align with the K53 testing standard and prepare you for the corresponding full licence codes.
Table of Contents
Overview of Learner’s Licence
If you hold a learner’s licence you are allowed to drive only when you are supervised by a licensed driver. If the category of vehicle you are driving requires a driving licence with professional authorization, the licensed driver must also hold such a driving licence. A learner’s licence is a permit that proves that you have basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and the rules of the road. The learner’s licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended.
Recent Updates (2025)
In May 2025, the Western Cape launched the Computerised Learners’ Licence Testing (CLLT) system, replacing manual booklets with digital terminals. This includes fingerprint verification, randomised questions, and instant results. It reduces corruption, supports hearing-impaired applicants with multilanguage instructions, and is available at all non-metro DLTCs in the province, with metro rollout planned. No major changes to the overall application process, but tests are now digital in these areas.
Nationwide, the core requirements remain unchanged, but check with your local DLTC for any province-specific digital enhancements or pilots.
Categories of Learner’s Licences
Different learner’s licences are issued for the various categories of motor vehicle:
- Code 1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar, motor tricycle or quadrucycle. You must be 16 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply if the motorcycle’s engine does not exceed 125 cc and 18 years or older if it exceeds 125 cc.
- Code 2: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus or goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 17 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.
- Code 3: This is for a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 18 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.
| Code | Vehicle Type | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | Motorcycle, tricycle, or quadrucycle (≤125 cc / >125 cc) | 16 / 18 |
| Code 2 | Vehicle, minibus, bus, or goods vehicle (≤3,500 kg) | 17 |
| Code 3 | Vehicle (>3,500 kg) | 18 |
Application Process for Learner’s Licence
- Go to the nearest driving licensing testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date and confirm the booking.
- Take the following with you:
- an identity document (ID)
- two identical black-and-white ID photographs (before you have photographs taken you should confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require)
- a booking fee.
- Proof of postal and residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address
- All Gauteng residents should apply online for their learners licence: https://online.natis.gov.za/
- Complete the Application for learner’s licence form (LL1), which is available at the DLTC. If you are 65 years or older, you must also complete a Medical certificate form (MC), which is also available at the DLTC.
- You will go for an eye test at the testing centre or you may have an eye test performed by a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the testing centre.
- Before you write the learner’s licence test, you must study road signs, motor vehicle controls and road rules to have a basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and road signs.
- On the day of the test you must submit the following:
- the booking receipt
- your ID
- If you pass the test you must pay the issue fee.
After obtaining your learner’s licence, you may need to apply for a temporary driving licence as a next step towards a full driving licence.
Cost and Processing Time
How long does it take
The learner’s licence is issued on the same day if you passed and paid the relevant fee.
How much does it cost
Contact your local licensing office for the cost.
Forms to Complete
- Application for a learner’s licence form (LL1)
- An applicant over 65 years of age or older requires a Medical certificate form (MC)
These forms are available at any driving licence testing centre and on eNatis.