Getting your driver’s license can be a daunting task, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. What are the basic requirements for getting a drivers license?
You need a driver’s licence to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving licence, you must be over 18 years of age and have a valid learner’s licence.
2. What do the different license codes stand for?
Different licences are issued for the various categories of motor vehicle:-
Code A1: This is for a motor cycle 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 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 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.-
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.
3. What is the procedure for acquiring a drivers license?
1. You need to book a test date at your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to*. Take the following with you:- Y
our valid and up to date learner’s licence.- Y
our valid and up to date identity document (ID).- F
our identical black-and-white photographs. (You must first confirm with your local DLTC how many photos they require before you have photos taken.)-
Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the of owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit. – A
booking fee.**
*Smiles Driving Academy provides assistance with the administrative booking procedure.**Booking fees are included in Smiles service packages
2.
Gauteng residents can apply online for their driving licence: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
3. Complete the Application for driving licence form (DL1) at the DLTC.
4. Keep the receipt as proof of payment and as confirmation of the test date and time.
5. 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.
6. You will be assessed by a qualified examiner.
7. If you pass the test, your fingerprints will be taken and you will undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you may have an eye test performed at a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the DLTC.
8. If you pass the driving test, you must pay the issuing fee to receive a temporary driving licence, which you will use while you wait for the ordered driving licence card.
9. You will be notified when your driving licence card is ready for collection. You must collect your driving licence at the DLTC where you made your application.
We hope this helps to prepare you for the process – and if you have any further questions or fears don’t hesitate to contact us
! And remember, Smiles will help you with the booking procedure, and assist you on the test day as well, and our driver’s license service packages include the booking fee. Here’s to simplified booking procedures and getting your license with a smile!