How to apply for driver’s licence

A valid driver’s licence is needed to drive legally on South African roads. For first-time drivers before applying, they must have a learner’s licence for a specific motor vehicle category and be 18 years or older.

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Different licences are issued for the various categories of motor vehicles:

• Code A1: This is for a motorcycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine not exceeding 125 cc.
• Code A: For a motorcycle with an engine that exceeds 125 cc.
• Code B: For a motor vehicle, including a mini-bus, bus and goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg.
• Code C1: For a motor vehicle, a bus, mini-bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between
• 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg.
• Code C: For a motor vehicle, a bus or a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding
  16 000kg.
• Code EB: Light motor vehicle that is articulated (light motor vehicle drawing a trailer) with a gross combination mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. Apply combination of a motor vehicle with a tare not exceeding 3 500 kg and a mini-bus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg.
• Code EC1: An articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass between 3 500kg and 16 000kg.
• A combination of a motor vehicle with a tare between 3 500kg and 16 500kg and a mini-bus, mid-bus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500kg and 16 000kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code EC: This is for an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass exceeding 16 000kg or a combination of a bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

  

  Also read: Remember the days when you had to license your bike?

To apply, go to the nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date.

Take the following with you:

• Your learner’s licence.
• Your identity document (ID).
• Four identical black-and-white photographs.
• Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the utility bill must be attached to an affidavit. If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address.
• Booking fee.
• On the date of the test, bring receipt and learner’s licence.
• You will undergo an eye test.
• If you pass the driving test, you must pay the issuing fee to receive a temporary driving licence, which you will use while you wait for the ordered driving licence card.
• You will be notified when your driving licence card is ready for collection.

The driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks, however, a temporary driving licence is issued immediately.

About replacing a damaged, lost or stolen driving licence card

If the driving licence card is lost, stolen or damaged, a new one can be applied for. While waiting for the licence card to be issued, a temporary driving licence will be issued at additional cost. No licence examination is required, but eye testing will be done, and fingerprints will be taken.

Gauteng residents can apply online: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/

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