Apply for a Driving Licence
You need a driving licence to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving licence, you must have a learner’s licence. Applying for a full South African Driving Licence involves several mandatory steps, building upon the essential foundation of already having a Learner’s Licence.
The entire process, from booking the test to receiving your licence card, is handled at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
Types of Driving Licence Codes
Different licences are issued for the various categories of motor vehicle. Simplified Guide to South African Driving Licence Codes (Final Revision).
| Licence Group | Code | Vehicle Description (Key Difference) | Minimum Age |
| Motorcycle | A1 | Motorcycle with engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc (e.g., small scooter/moped). | 17 Years |
| A | Motorcycle with engine capacity greater than 125 cc (includes Code A1). | 18 Years | |
| Light Motor Vehicle | B | Standard light vehicle (car, small bus, goods vehicle) with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) not exceeding 3,500 kg. Allowed to tow a small trailer (GVM not exceeding 750 kg). | 18 Years |
| EB | Articulated light vehicle (allows towing a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg), provided the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) is not exceeding 3,500 kg. Includes Code B. | 18 Years | |
| Medium Vehicle | C1 | Medium goods vehicle or bus with GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. Allows a small trailer (GVM not exceeding 750 kg). | 18 Years |
| EC1 | Articulated medium vehicle (allows towing a large trailer/articulation) with GCM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. Includes Codes B, C1, and EB. | 18 Years | |
| Heavy Vehicle | C | Heavy goods vehicle or bus with GVM greater than 16,000 kg. Allows a small trailer (GVM not exceeding 750 kg). | 18 Years |
| EC | Articulated heavy vehicle (allows towing a large trailer/articulation) with GCM greater than 16,000 kg. Includes all codes below it (B, EB, C1, C, and EC1). | 18 Years |
Key Takeaway: The B vs. EB Difference
| Feature | Code B (Standard Car Licence) | Code EB (Car + Heavy Trailer Licence) |
| Trailer Allowed | Trailer GVM not exceeding 750 kg | Trailer GVM greater than 750 kg (e.g., large caravan or boat trailer) |
Test Booking and Preparation
Pre-Requisites
Before you can book your practical driving test, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older (for Code B/car licence).
- Hold a valid Learner’s Licence for the code you are applying for.
Book Your Test Date
You must book your practical test well in advance, as waiting periods can be long.
- Online (Gauteng only): Residents in Gauteng can use the NaTIS Online Booking System (https://online.natis.gov.za/#/) to book an appointment.
In-Person (All Provinces):
- Visit your nearest DLTC to book the test.
- Forms: Complete the Application for Driving Licence (DL1) form (available at the DLTC).
- Eye Test: You will undergo an eye test at the DLTC, or you can present a valid eye test certificate from a qualified optometrist (not older than 3 months).
Documents
- Bring your valid Learner’s Licence, ID Document
- Proof of Address (not older than 3 months)
- 4 black-and-white ID photos (confirm the number with the DLTC).
Fees
- Pay the prescribed booking fee (varies by province/DLTC, often around R220 – R300).
Practice and Preparation
Use your Learner’s Licence to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver. Ensure you are fully proficient in the K53 Defensive Driving System, including pre trip inspections, yard manoeuvres (alley docking, parallel parking, incline start), and the road test.
The Practical Driving Test Day
Attend the Test
On the day of the test:
- Arrive Early: Be at the DLTC at the specified time with your valid Learner’s Licence, ID Document, and booking receipt.
- Test Vehicle: You must provide a vehicle that is roadworthy, has a valid licence disk, and meets all the technical requirements for the code you are testing for. The vehicle will undergo a pre-test inspection.
Examination
The test is conducted by a qualified examiner and consists of:
- Pre-Trip Inspection (Checking the vehicle’s roadworthiness).
- Yard Test (Demonstrating basic vehicle handling and parking manoeuvres).
- Road Test (Driving on public roads while demonstrating K53 defensive driving techniques).
If You Pass
If you are successful:
- Fingerprints: Your fingerprints will be taken for the new card.
- Pay Issue Fee: You must immediately pay the card issuing fee (varies, usually around R250.00). If you fail to pay this on the day, you must retake the test.
- Temporary Licence: You will be issued a Temporary Driving Licence which is valid for six months, allowing you to drive legally while you wait for your card.
Collect Your Card
- Your permanent credit card format driving licence should be ready for collection at the same DLTC within 4 to 6 weeks.
- You will usually be notified via SMS. You must bring your ID Document and Temporary Driving Licence (if you have one) when collecting the card.