Eye test for driving license In South Africa

Note: You will not be required to take a driving test when you renew your driving licence. You will undergo eye testing and your fingerprints will be taken. Alternatively, you can have your eyes tested by an optometrist and submit the report at the driving licence testing centre (DLTC). If your sight has worsened from the date on which your licence was issued, new conditions will be attached to your licence.

The law stipulates that everyone renewing their driver’s licences must have their vision screened. Instead of waiting in long queues, you can have your screening conducted by an optometrist.

This project is conducted in co-operation with and approved by the licensing departments and the national Department of Transport. The screening does not replace a full eye examination. It will, however, reveal any potential problems you may have before you renew your driver’s licence.

You will receive an official certificate stating that you have had your vision screened by an optometrist. The certificate indicates the condition of your vision and will be accepted by the licensing departments.

Many people think that if they have no visual symptoms, there is no need to have their eyes examined once a year. During an eye examination, however, many early signs of potential diseases can be detected and treated before they cause serious problems, for example:

  • Glaucoma
  • Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Cataracts
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Eye infections
  • Diabetes

Regulation 241

17. Regulation 241 of the Regulations is replaced with the following regulation:

“Defective vision disqualifying person from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driver’s licence

241. (1) A person shall be disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driver’s licence unless –

in the case of an application for a learner’s or driver’s licence relating to the codes A1, A, B or EB, such person has-

according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/12 (20/40) for each eye, or where the visual acuity of one eye is less than 6/12 (20/40) or where one eye of the person concerned is blind, a minimum visual acuity for the other eye of 6/9 (20/30); and

a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal, with or without refractive correction, in respect of each eye, or where the minimum visual field in respect of one eye is less than 70 degrees temporal, or where one eye is blind, a minimum total horizontal visual field of at least 115 degrees with or without refractive correction; or

in the case of an application for a learner’s or driver’s licence relating to the codes C1, C, EC1 or EC, such person has –

according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/9 (20/30) for each eye; and

a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal in respect of each eye, with or without refractive correction.

2. a) A person who is disqualified in terms of subregulation (1) may at such person’s expense approach a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist to test such person’s eyes in terms of the standards referred to in subregulation (1), and the result of such test shall, if it duly reflects the visual acuity of such person according to the Snellen rating, and his or her field of vision expressed in degrees, as contemplated in subregulation (1), be accepted by the driver’s licence testing centre.

b. If the result contemplated in paragraph (a) indicates that the person concerned is disqualified as contemplated in subregulation (1), the driver’s licence testing centre shall not issue such person with a learner’s or driver’s licence with a code to which the application of that person relates.”

Class of motor vehicle 01 A1 Motorcycle without sidecar, with engine not exceeding 125cm3 or propelled by electrical power, or vehicle having pedals and engine or electrical motor.

02 A Motorcycle without sidecar, with engine exceeding 125cm3 but not exceeding 250cm3.

15 A Motorcycle without sidecar, with engine exceeding 250cm3.

03 A Motorcycle with sidecar.

04 A Motorcycle or motor quadrucycle.

05 B Tractor.

06 B Motor vehicle propelled by electrical power.

07 B A motor vehicle, being a type of mobile agricultural or industrial equipment or machinery.

08 EB Light motor vehicle. Tare/GVM/GCM not exceeding 3 500kg.

10 EC1 Heavy motor vehicle, not articulated. Tare/GVM exceeding 3 500kg, but not exceeding 16 000kg.

11 EC Extra heavy motor vehicle, not articulated. Tare/BVM exceeding 16 000kg.

13 EC Heavy articulated motor vehicle. GCM exceeding 3 500kg, but not exceeding 25 000kg.

14 EC Extra heavy articulated motor vehicle. GCM exceeding 25 000kg.

12 B Motor vehicle specially adapted for physically disabled person.