Learner’s licence

Getting a learner's licence for a motor vehicle is the first step to getting a driving licence. It's important to know what's applicable for different vehicle types before applying.

You can get a code 1 learner's licence and drive a motorcycle up to 125cc at 16 years old.  You're allowed to drive a motorcycle over 125cc at the age of 18 with a code 1 learner’s licence. For a car, minibus, small goods vehicle or bus (weighing less than 3 500 kg) you must be 17 years or older.

Once you have a learner's licence, you may drive the type of vehicle for which the learner's licence is valid. However, a licensed driver must accompany you at all times (except on a motorcycle). A learner driver may not carry another person on a motorcycle.

A code 2 licence will allow you to drive a light motor vehicle and a code 3 will allow you to drive a heavy motor vehicle.

When you apply to write the test, you'll need to take the following to your nearest traffic department:

• Your official South African identity document.
• Two ID-sized black and white or colour photographs (35mm x 45mm).
• The R68 application fee.
• Proof of address (not older than 3 months).
• If you're under 18 years old, an adult (parent, relative, or whomever you're residing with) must confirm your address in an affidavit. They must sign and stamp the affidavit at a SAPS office or Commissioner of Oaths.

Note: Motorists must verify all personal and address particulars with any motor vehicle or driving licence transaction. You can use these documents as proof.

You'll also need to complete the LL1 form, which will be provided by the traffic department. Remember to take a pen as most traffic departments don't provide any.

Once you've submitted your form, you'll be given a date for your test. You can only cancel this date if you are:

• Sick (you'll need to provide a medical certificate).
• Attending a funeral (you'll need to provide a death certificate).
• Writing exams (you'll have to provide a timetable).

The payment won't be refunded if you cancel your appointment. If you're not able to make your test, make sure to cancel it as this causes a backlog in the appointment system.

You need to pay R68 to make an appointment to write the learner's licence test and R33 for the learner's licence once you have passed the test.

Preparing for your test

To pass your learner’s test, you need to study and understand the rules of the road, road markings, road signs and the controls of a vehicle.

You can study in one or more of the following ways:

• Study the K53 book, which you can buy or borrow from one of our public libraries. You can also download a K53 application (APP) to assist you.
• When you're out and about, try to properly identify road markings and signs. Don’t be afraid to ask a driver to explain a rule or road sign.
• Go over practice test papers and mock tests that are available online.

You must also undergo an eye test.

A learner's licence is valid for 2 years.