Acquiring Driver's License In South Africa

South African license form with car key and Check eligibility Acquiring Driver's License.

1. Check Eligibility

Code B (cars up to 3 500 kg) – you must be 18 years or older to hold the licence.

You may write the learner’s test at 17.

Other licence codes have different minimum ages.

Get your learner's license on a K53 driver's manual and key. The Smart Start Guides

2. Get Your Learner’s Licence

Book at a Driving License Testing Centre (DLTC).

Bring the following:

South African ID (or passport)

Form LL1 (available at the DLTC)

2 ID photos (bring them even if photos are captured at the centre)

Proof of address (utility bill or affidavit if not in your name)

Booking and issue fees

Write the test on rules of the road, road signs, and controls.

A learner’s license is valid for 24 months.

Costs: Usually between R150 – R320 total (booking + issue fee, varies by province).

White car with Learn to drive text on the road in background.

3. Practice Driving

Take lessons with a driving school or practice privately.

Driving school rates are around R300 – R450 per hour.

Learn the K53 system (yard and road test requirements).

Book your driving test, DRIVING TEST, appointment, and driver's license on laptop.

4. Book Your Driving Test

Once ready, book at the DLTC.

Bring the following:

Learner’s licence

Form DL1

Proof of address (and affidavit if needed)

4 ID photos (check if required at your DLTC)

Booking fee

Eye test (done at the DLTC or certificate from an optometrist)

Costs: Around R220 – R300 for booking (varies by DLTC).

Car in front of Driving Testing Centre, Take the Driving Test, Driver.

5. Take the Driving Test

The test includes:

Yard test (parking, hill start, alley docking, parallel parking, etc.)

Road test (driving in traffic under examiner supervision).

If you fail, you can rebook.

If you pass, you can apply for your driving licence card.

Temporary and License Card with Driver's License; Acquiring Driver's License.

6. Get Your Temporary and Card Licence

If you pass, the DLTC can issue a temporary licence the same day (valid while waiting for the card).

Temporary licence costs around R70 – R150.

Pay for card production (around R240 – R300).

Collection usually takes 4–6 weeks, but can be longer depending on backlog.

Cost Summary (approximate)

Learner’s test (booking + issue): R150 – R320

Driving lessons: R300 – R450 per hour

Driving test booking: R220 – R300

Temporary licence (optional): R70 – R150

Card licence: R240 – R300

Documents Checklist

ID book or smart ID card (or passport)

Proof of address (affidavit if not in your name)

2–4 ID photos (depending on centre)

Learner’s licence (for booking driving test)

LL1 and DL1 forms (from DLTC)

Eye test (done at DLTC or optometrist certificate)