Guide to Getting Your South African Learner’s Licence
A learner’s licence is a legal document that allows you to practice driving under supervision before you can take the final driving test. It’s a necessary part of getting any vehicle licence in South Africa including Code 10, which covers heavy vehicles or minibuses. 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.
Code Categories
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.
Check out this article for more detail Apply for Learner’s Licence.
What Does It Cost?
The price of a Code 10 learner’s licence in South Africa depends on your province, but here are the latest 2025 figures:
| Province | Booking Fee | Issuing Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | R200 | R120 | R320 |
| Western Cape | R180 | R100 | R280 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R150 | R80 | R230 |
| Eastern Cape | R120 | R70 | R190 |
| Free State | R95 | R50 | R145 |
You will pay a booking fee to reserve a spot for the test, and an issuing fee after you pass so your licence can be printed. Some testing centers accept only cash, so call ahead to avoid surprises.
Study the K53 Manual
Your test is based on the K53 manual, which covers three sections:
| Section | Questions | Pass Mark |
| Rules of the Road | 28 | 23/28 (82%) |
| Road Signs and Markings | 28 | 23/28 (82%) |
| Vehicle Controls | 8 | 6/8 (75%) |
- You must pass all three sections individually to pass the test.
- Study materials (books and apps) are widely available from bookshops and online retailers.
Write the Test
On the day of the test:
- Arrive Early: Be at the DLTC with your ID document and booking receipt.
- Test Format: The test is usually a multiple-choice exam, often conducted on a computer.
- Pass or Fail: You will be notified of your result immediately.
Receive Your Licence
- If you pass: You must immediately pay the issue fee (this also varies by province, usually R55 – R70). Your official Learner’s Licence will be printed and issued to you on the same day.
- If you fail: You must repeat the entire booking process (including paying the booking fee again) and schedule a new test date.
Learner’s Licence Rules
Your Learner’s Licence is valid for 24 months and allows you to drive, provided you adhere to the following rules:
- You must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid, full Driver’s Licence for the class of vehicle you are driving.
- The licensed driver must be seated next to you (i.e., in the passenger seat) and be ready to take control of the vehicle.
- Code 1 (Motorcycle): You are not permitted to carry a passenger on the motorcycle (not even the driving instructor) but you are allowed to ride unaccompanied.