You can only drive if you have a driver’s license and are supervised by a licensed driver. If the vehicle’s classification requires it, the licensed driver must also have a professional driving permit.
A learner’s permit is a document that certifies your ability to operate a motor vehicle and follow traffic laws. The learner’s permit’s 24-month validity period cannot be extended.
Various learner’s licences are issued for various types of motor vehicles:
Code 1: This is for a motor tricycle or quadrucycle with or without a sidecar. To apply, you must be 16 years old or older on the date of the test if the motorcycle’s engine does not exceed 125 cc and 18 years old if it does surpass 125 cc.
Code 2: This is for a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle mass of less than 3 500kg, such as a minibus, bus, or cargo vehicle. To apply, you must be 17 years old or older on the date of the test.
Code 3: This is for a vehicle having a gross vehicle mass of more than 3 500kg. To apply, you must be 18 years old or older on the date of the test.
How do I obtain a learner’s permit?
Visit the closest Driving Licensing Testing Centre to book and confirm a test date (DLTC).
Please bring the following items:
a photo identification card (ID)
two black and white identification images (before you have photographs taken you should confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require)
You must pay a reservation fee.
A utility statement can serve as proof of residency and postal address. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner must sign an affidavit confirming that you live at the address and attach the utility bill to the affidavit.
If you live in an informal settlement, you must produce a letter from your ward councillor confirming your postal and residential addresses. The letter must be stamped with an official date stamp.
Fill out the Application for Learner’s License form available from the DLTC (LL1). If you are 65 or older, you must also fill out a medical certificate form (MC), which is available at the DLTC.
You can either complete the papers and have an eye exam performed at the testing center by a licensed optometrist.
Before taking the learner’s permit test, you must study road signs, vehicle controls, and traffic laws in order to have a fundamental grasp of a motor vehicle and road signs.
On the test day, you must bring your ID and the booking receipt.
What is the timeframe?
If you passed and paid the requisite fee, you will receive your learner’s permit the same day.
How much does it cost?
Contact your local licensing office for cost.
Forms to complete
Form for obtaining a learner’s permit (LL1)
For candidates aged 65 and up, a medical certificate form is necessary (MC)
These forms are available on eNatis and at any driving test location.
