Application For Learner’s Licence In South Africa

By | January 13, 2021

A learner’s licence is a permit that proves that you have basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and the rules of the road. The learner’s licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended.

If you hold a learner’s licence you are allowed to drive only when you are supervised by a licensed driver. If the category of vehicle you are driving requires a professional driving permit, the licensed driver must also hold a professional driving permit.

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

  • Code 1: This is for a motorcycle with or without a sidecar, motor tricycle or quadricycle. You must be 16 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply if the motorcycle’s engine does not exceed 125 cc and 18 years or older if it exceeds 125 cc.
  • Code 2: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus or goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 17 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.
  • Code 3: This is for a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 18 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.

What you should do

  1. Go to the nearest driving licensing testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date and confirm the booking.
  2. Take the following with you:
    • an identity document (ID)
    • two identical black-and-white ID photographs (before you have photographs taken you should confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require)
    • a booking fee.
    • Proof of postal and 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 postal and residential address
  3. All Gauteng residents should apply online for their learners licence: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
  4. Complete the Application for learner’s licence form (LL1), which is available at the DLTC. If you are 65 years or older, you must also complete a Medical certificate form (MC), which is also available at the DLTC.
  5. You will go for an eye test at the testing centre or you may have an eye test performed by a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the testing centre.
  6. Before you write the learner’s licence test, you must study road signs, motor vehicle controls and road rules to have a basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and road signs.
  7. On the day of the test you must submit the following:
    • the booking receipt
    • your ID.
  8. If you pass the test you must pay the issue fee.

How long does it take

The learner’s licence is issued on the same day if you passed and paid the relevant fee. 

How much does it cost

Contact your local licensing office for the cost.

Forms to complete

  • Application for a learner’s licence form (LL1)
  • An applicant over 65 years of age or older requires a Medical certificate form (MC)

These forms are available at any driving licence testing centre and on eNatis.

Preparing for your test

In order to pass your learner’s test, you need to study and understand the rules of the road, road markings, road signs and the controls of a vehicle.

You can study in one or more of the following ways:

  • Study the K53 book, which you can buy or borrow from one of our public libraries.
  • When you’re out and about, try to properly identify road markings and signs. Don’t be afraid to ask a driver to explain a rule or road sign.
  • Go over practice test papers and mock tests that are available online.

You must also undergo an eye test.

A learner’s licence is valid for two years.