Driving License Requirements In South Africa

Before applying for a driving license, you must have a learner’s license.

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

  • Code A1: This is for a motor cycle 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 motor cycle 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:
    • 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 do I get a drivers license in South Africa?

Complete the Application for driving licence form (DL1) at the DLTC. Keep the receipt as proof of payment and as confirmation of the test date and time. 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.

What documents do I need to drive in South Africa?

In General
All drivers must have a valid driving licence from their country of residence. You can drive in South Africa on a British licence or any other licence that is printed in English – however, if the licence is not printed in English, then you will need to obtain an International Drivers Licence.

How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in South Africa?

The cost of a legal learner’s licence is R108 for the booking and R60 for the issuing fee. A driver’s licence Code 10 test costs R240, and a Code 8, R228. The issuing fee for both licences is R228. Numerous attempts to phone the Randburg Licencing Department proved unsuccessful.

How can a foreigner get a driver’s license in South Africa?

If you are a foreigner and you want to obtain your Drivers License in South Africa, you can do so by registering at the nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Firstly you will need to do a Learners License test and then a Drivers License test.