About a learner’s licence

A learner’s licence only allows you to drive 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.

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.

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

Code 1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar, motor tricycle or quadrucycle. 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 17 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

Go to the nearest driving licensing testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date and confirm the booking.

Take the following with you:

• an identity (ID) document 
• two identical black and white ID photographs. You must confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require taking photographs.
  
• a booking fee.
  

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.

You will go for an eye test at the testing centre or alternatively, you may have an eye test performed at a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the testing centre.

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.

On the day of the test you must submit the following:

• the booking receipt
• your ID document.
  

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

Province	Booking fee	Issue fee
Eastern Cape	R213	R69
Free State	R92	R48
Gauteng	R108	R60
KwaZulu-Natal	R150	R60
Limpopo	R159	R57
Mpumalanga	R126	R37
Northern Cape	R55	R55
North West	R126	R126
Western Cape	R68	R38

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.

Who to contact

National Traffic Information System (eNatis) service centres