How to get your learner's licence

A learner’s licence lets you practise driving on public roads while a licensed driver supervises you. You need one before you can book your driving test.

Which code you need, and the minimum age

How to book the test

• In Gauteng, the government says you should apply online on NaTIS. Gauteng asks you to pay within 3 days of making the booking, and you can only pre-book once for the same test.
• In other provinces, go to your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to book a date, unless your centre offers online booking.

What to take

• your ID,
• two identical ID photos (ask the DLTC how many it needs, and whether colour photos are accepted),
• proof of your home and postal address, such as a utility account:
  • if the bill is in someone else’s name, that person makes an affidavit that you live there, with the bill attached,
  • if you live in an informal settlement, a letter with an official date stamp from your ward councillor,
• the booking fee, and on the test day, your booking receipt.

You fill in the application form (LL1) at the DLTC. If you are 65 or older, you also fill in a medical certificate form (MC).

You have an eye test at the testing centre, or you can have your eyes tested by an optometrist and hand in the form.

The test

In most provinces the test is done on a computer at the testing centre, with your fingerprint checked at the terminal and random questions. Ask your DLTC how it runs the test. It covers:

• the rules of the road,
• road signs and road markings, and
• the controls of a vehicle.

Prepare properly: study the rules of the road and the road signs before you book. Our K53 practice test has a mock test as long as the real one, and questions on road signs, the rules of the road and the controls of a vehicle, with the rule behind each answer.

What it costs

Each province sets its own fees and changes them from time to time. You pay a booking or test fee, and an issue fee if you pass. Ask your DLTC for the amounts, or check your provincial transport department’s website.

The Western Cape says it doesn’t refund the fee if you cancel your appointment, and only allows cancellations for illness, a funeral or exams.

After you pass

• You get your learner’s licence the same day.
• It is valid for 24 months and can’t be extended.
• You may only drive when a licensed driver supervises you.
• When you are ready, book your driving test at a DLTC. The driving test uses the K53 method.

Once you have your driving licence, you renew the card every few years: see how to renew a driving licence card.

Stay safe

Book only at a DLTC or on the official NaTIS website, online.natis.gov.za. Nobody can sell you a test date, a pass or a licence: if someone offers, it is fraud. Fake websites copy the NaTIS name, so check the address before you pay.