Apply for a Temporary Driving Licence
A temporary driving licence is a critical document in South Africa, typically issued when your permanent, credit-card format driving licence is being processed. It serves as legal permission to drive for a limited time. You can apply for a temporary driving licence if you have applied for the renewal of your expired licence or have lost your drivers licence.
This licence is valid for only six months and can be issued at any driving licence testing centre (DLTC).
You usually need to apply for a temporary licence under three main circumstances:
- After Passing your practical driving test (issued while waiting for the card to be printed).
- When Renewing your existing driving licence card (issued while waiting for the new card).
- When Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence card.
The process must be completed in person at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
Determine Your Reason and Prepare
The requirements are slightly different depending on why you need the temporary licence:
| Reason for Application | Pre-requisites |
| Passed Driving Test | You must have successfully passed your practical driving test on the day of application. |
| Renewal | You must have already completed the application and payment for your driving licence card renewal. |
| Lost/Stolen/Damaged | You must have reported the loss or /theft to the police and have an affidavit (police case number). |
Gather Required Document
Regardless of the reason, you must take the following documents to the DLTC:
- Identity Document: Your original South African ID Book or/Card or a valid Temporary ID (and a certified copy).
- Proof of Address: An original utility bill, bank statement, or similar document showing your name and residential address, not older than 3 months.
- If the bill is not in your name, you need an affidavit from the account holder and a copy of their ID attached to the original bill.
- Photographs: Four identical, black and white (or sometimes colour) ID photos (confirm the number with your specific DLTC, as requirements can vary slightly).
- Prescribed Fee: The fee for the temporary licence (usually a small, separate fee from the main renewal or /issue fee).
Apply In-Person at the DLTC
- Visit the DLTC: Go to your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre. You generally do not need to book a separate slot for a temporary licence, as it is processed as part of your main transaction (passing the test, renewing, or replacing).
- Complete Forms: You will complete the relevant application form (often the DL1 form).
- Eye Test: You will undergo an eye test at the centre, or you can submit a valid eye test certificate from a qualified optometrist (not older than 3 month).
- Pay Fee: Pay the prescribed fee for the temporary driving licence.
- Issuance: The temporary driving licence is typically issued immediately on the same day.
Key Facts About the Temporary Licence
- Validity: The temporary licence is valid for six months only.
- Purpose: It allow you to drive legally while you wait for your new permanent driving licence card to be printed and delivered to the DLTC for collection.
- Expiry: If your permanent card is not ready before the temporary one expires, you may need to apply for a second temporary licence.