Introduction

A driver’s license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. 

To apply for a Drivers License you need to already have a valid learner’s License for the code for which you are applying, as well as have access to your roadworthy vehicle for the test.

In this blog post, we will be looking into Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa, types of driving license in South Africa, How long does driving license takes and many others.

Let’s get started:

Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa

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Drivers License Booking	Drivers License Test	Drivers License Application
Drivers License Test Booking	Drivers License Expired	Drivers License Card Collection
Drivers License Lost	Drivers License Learners	Drivers License Extension

• How much does it cost to get a new driver’s license?
• How much is learners licence?
• How to pass eye test for driver’s license in South Africa?
• What do I need to get a drivers license?
• How much is code 8 licence?

Types of driving licence in South Africa

You need a driving license to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving license, you must have a learner’s license.

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

Code A1: This is for a motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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:

• 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. 

Code EC1: This is for:

• 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.

Code EC: This is for an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass exceeding 16 000 kg or a combination of a bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

How to apply for a driving licence in South Africa

The below article provides you with a step-by-step guide on How to apply for a driving license in South Africa.

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 councilor confirming your residential address
   • a booking fee. 
2. Gauteng residents should apply online for their driving license: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
3. Complete the Application for driving license 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 processing Driving License take

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

Conclusion

In this blog post, we looked into the Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa, types of driving licenses in South Africa, How long does driving license takes, and many others.