A professional driving permit (PDP) is required to operate public transportation and heavy duty vehicles such as taxis, buses, and breakdown vans. There are several exceptions, such as driving a funeral or a tractor without a PrDP.
A professional driving permit was previously known as a public drivers permit (PDP), and it was provided to drivers prior to 1998.
If you drive any of these vehicles, you must have a valid professional driving permit:
Goods vehicles (more than 3 500 kg).
Vehicles must be dismantled.
Buses (any bus) (any bus).
Minibus taxis (weighing more than 3 500 kg) that transport 12 or more passengers, including the driver
Vehicles used to carry passengers for a fee.
Vehicle transporting hazardous materials (more than 3 500 kg).
Road tankers for petroleum-based flammable liquids.
Vehicles that transport 12 or more passengers, including the driver.
You may not allow another individual to operate a motor vehicle that requires a professional driving licence if you possess it. However, if the other individual has a professional driving permit of the proper type, you can let them drive.
You can only obtain a professional driving permit if you have a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you’re asking for,
You’re over the legal drinking age (this depends on the type of vehicle in question),
You have a doctor’s certification that you are medically fit,
authorized training body certification (only required for certain types of vehicles),
You have not been convicted of driving under the influence, reckless driving, or any other offense, and
Your driver’s license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you become medically unfit or are convicted of driving under the influence, reckless or careless driving, or a criminal offence, your professional driving licence may be suspended or cancelled.
To apply for a PrDP, you will need the following documents:
your ID,
two photographs (ID size),
your driver’s license, and
criminal record police clearance certificate
How much does it cost to obtain a PDP in South Africa?
If the forms are returned by the police station, the applicant must provide a valid identity document, a certified copy of his/her ID, four passport-size photographs, and the stipulated price for the issuance of the PRDP, which is now R150. It’s also worth noting that applicants must present proof of residency.
How much does it cost to renew PDP in South Africa?
The Medical Certificate (Form MC) must be completed by a medical expert. The requirements for issuing a PrDP remain in effect. The application charge (R96. 00) and the issue fee (R204.
How long does it take to obtain a PDP in South Africa?
Your permit could be issued in as little as 12 weeks. To find out how much it costs, contact your local licensing office. These forms are available at your local driving license testing center and on the eNatis website.
What is the distinction between PDP and Prdp?
Unlike the earlier public driving permit (PDP), which was solely needed of drivers of public carrier vehicles, the professional driving permit (PrDP) is also required of drivers hired by enterprises carrying their own goods. Drivers of the following vehicles must have a valid license card that is endorsed with an applicable PrDP.
