If you are living in South Africa and want to drive, you need to first obtain a learner’s license. It is the first step towards obtaining a driver’s license and legally driving in South Africa. This article will walk you through the process of getting a learner’s license in South Africa, including the requirements for a learner’s license, learner’s license booking, and common learner’s license test questions and answers.
What Is Learner’s License
A learner’s license is a permit that proves that you have the basic knowledge of a vehicle and the rules of the road. In South Africa, the learner’s license is issued by the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) or the Driving Licensing Testing Centers (DLTCs) across the country.
The learner’s license codes are divided into three categories and each has an age requirement.
Code 1: Any motorcycle
- Motorcycle up to 125cc – sixteen years old
- Motorcycle above 125cc – eighteen years old
Code 2: Light motor vehicle mass not exceeding 3500 kg – seventeen years old
Code 3: Motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3500 kg – eighteen years old
A learner’s license is a temporary license that allows you to practice driving only when supervised by a licensed driver. If the vehicle you are driving requires a professional driving permit, your supervising licensed driver needs to hold a professional driving permit as well. A learner’s license is the first step toward a driver’s license.
Learner’s License Requirements
To obtain a learner’s license in South Africa, you will need to gather the following required documents:
- Proof of identity such as South African ID or passport and two photocopies.
- Booking fee (varies from ZAR 95 to ZAR 162 by different provinces).
- Proof of residential address such as a utility bill or bank statement no older than three months from the date of your learner’s license application.
- A letter from the ward councilor with an official date stamp confirming your residential address if you stay at an informal settlement.
- Two recent identical passport-size photos measuring 35x45mm.
How to Book a Learner’s License Online
Once you have prepared the documents, you may proceed to book a learner’s license test. There are two methods, visiting a DLTC and booking online via the eNaTIS portal. So far, only residents in Gauteng and Eastern Cape can book a learner’s license test online via the eNaTIS system. Here is how.
Step 1. Access the eNaTIS system portal.
Step 2. Below the tab ‘Book now for Learner’s License Test,’ click the ‘Book now’ tab.
Step 3. Choose your province Gauteng or Eastern Cape, and you will be redirected to the learner’s license application form (LL1) page. If you are 65 years of age or above, you will need to complete a Medical certificate form (MC). Fill out the form.
Step 4. Pay the booking fee for the learner’s test, and you will receive a receipt as proof of your booking, which should be submitted on the day of the test.
Step 5. There will be an appointment date automatically assigned to you on the receipt. You must confirm your availability. If available, you should accept the date allocated to you within 24 hours of notifications, or you will be reallocated to other dates.
Step 6. Visit the testing center on the appointed date with the required documents. There you will take an eye test as well. Finish the learner’s license test. If you pass the test, you should pay the issuance fee and you will be issued a learner’s license on the same day.
How to Apply for Learner’s License in Person
For residents in the other provinces, you may apply for a learner’s license test in person at your nearest DLTC. Here is the process.
At the DLTC, you need to fill out an application form (LL1) and pay the booking fee. If you are 65 years of age or above, you will need to complete a Medical certificate form (MC). You will also need to take an eye test as well.
After submitting your application, you’ll be required to take a written learner’s license test involving multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of the road rules, road signs, and controls of the vehicle in South Africa. Therefore, you should study the road signs and rules beforehand to ensure you’re well-prepared for the test.
If you pass the test, you should pay the issuance fee and you will be issued a learner’s license on the same day.
How to Apply for an Oral Learner’s License Test
For those who can’t read or write, the learner’s license booking can be different. You may apply for an oral learner’s license test where all questions and answers will be spoken instead of written. Here is how.
Step 1. Obtain an affidavit from the South African Police Service that states your reasons for taking an oral learner’s license test. The reasons can be having a learning disability, dyslexia, or an inability to read or write.
Step 2. Visit the nearest DLTC with the required documents, the affidavit from SAPS, and proof of disability from a learning institution or medical practitioner.
Step 3. The provincial supervisor will give you further instructions on how to book the learner’s license.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Learner’s License
To get a learner’s license, you will first need to book a learner’s test and pay a booking fee. If you pass the test, you will need to pay an issuance fee for your learner’s license. The learner’s license cost may vary in different provinces. Here is the learner’s license price list for each province.
| Province | Booking Fee | Issuance Fee |
| Gauteng | ZAR 95 | ZAR 55 |
| Northern Cape | ZAR 85 | ZAR 50 |
| Northwest | ZAR 95 | ZAR 55 |
| Western Cape | ZAR 95 | ZAR 55 |
| Eastern Cape | ZAR 162 | ZAR 51 |
| Limpopo | ZAR 135 | ZAR 55 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | ZAR 115 | ZAR 55 |
| Free State | ZAR 95 | ZAR 65 |
| Mpumalanga | ZAR 120 | ZAR 35 |
How Long Does It Take to Get a Learner’s License?
If you pass the learner’s license test and pay the issuance fee, you will receive your learner’s license on the same day.
FAQ
How long is a learner’s license valid?
The learner’s license is valid for two years and can’t be extended. During this time, you may practice your driving skills accompanied by a licensed driver. Whenever you acquire driving skills, you may apply for a driver’s license.
Can I cancel my learner’s license test appointment date?
Once you’ve submitted your application form, you’ll be given a date for the learner’s license test. You can only cancel this appointment date if you are:
- Sick (a medical certificate is required).
- Attending a funeral (a death certificate is required).
- Attending other exams (a timetable is required).
If you can’t make it to the test due to one of the three situations, you may cancel it with the testing center ahead. You will get a refund of the booking fee for the test if you cancel your appointment.
How many questions are on the learner’s test in South Africa?
The learner’s license test generally consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering the rules of the road, road signs, signals and markings, and controls of the vehicle. It is a timed test, and you will be given 60 minutes to finish it. To pass the learner’s test, you need to answer at least 72 out of the 100 questions correctly.
Can I retake the learner’s license test if I fail?
Yes, if you fail the learner’s test, you can retake it after seven days.
Can I drive alone with a learner’s license in South Africa?
No, if you have a learner’s license, you have to always drive accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a driver’s license for at least three years.
Can a foreigner get a learner’s license in South Africa?
Yes, as a foreigner living in South Africa, as long as you reach 17 years old, you may follow the process to apply for a learner’s license.
Step 1. Prepare the required documents: a valid passport, valid visa or residency permit, and proof of residence in South Africa.
Step 2. Visit your nearest DLTC.
Step 3. Complete the Learner’s License application form. Submit the required documents and the form.
Step 4. Pay the booking fee for the learner’s license test.
Step 5. Take the learner’s license test. If you pass the test, you should pay the issue fee, and you will receive your learner’s license on the same day.
Conclusion
This complete guide covers several aspects of the learner’s license in South Africa, including the learner’s license requirements, how to book a learner’s license test online and in person, learner’s license cost, and frequently asked learner’s license test questions and answers. Currently, residents in Gauteng and Eastern Cape may book a learner’s license test online, while residents in the rest provinces need to visit DLTC and apply for a learner’s license test in person. If you can’t write or read, you may apply for an oral test instead.