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.

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

• Code A1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine not exceeding 125 cc. You must be at least 17 years old on the date of the test.
• Code A: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine that exceeds 125 cc. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code B: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus and goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code C1: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus, minibus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code C: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus or a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg.
• Code EB: This is for a:
  • light motor vehicle that is articulated (light motor vehicle drawing a trailer) with a gross combination mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply
  • combination of a motor vehicle with a tare not exceeding 3 500 kg and a minibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
  • an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
  • a combination of a motor vehicle with a tare between 3 500 kg and 16 500 kg and a minibus, midibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

  What you should do

  1. 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. You must first confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require before you have photos taken.
     • Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the of 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 residential address
     • a booking fee.
  2. Gauteng residents should apply online for their driving licence: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
  3. Complete the Application for driving licence form (DL1) at the DLTC.
  4. Keep the receipt as proof of payment and as confirmation of the test date and time.
  5. On the date of the test, you must be at the DLTC at the specified testing time. Your receipt and learner’s licence will be verified before you proceed to the test.
  6. You will be assessed by a qualified examiner.
  7. If you pass the test, your fingerprints will be taken and you will undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you may have an eye test performed at a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the DLTC.
  8. 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.
  9. You will be notified when your driving licence card is ready for collection. You must collect your driving licence at the DLTC where you made your application.

  How long does it take

  • Your driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks.
  • A temporary driving licence is issued immediately.

  How much does it cost

  Contact your local licensing office to find out the cost.

  Forms to complete

  The Application for driving licence form (DL1) is available at any driving licence testing centre

  Who to contact

  Contact your local department of transport