In South Africa, if you are a driver operating commercial vehicles on public roads, you must have a valid driver’s license. In addition, a PDP medical form is required to prove that you are medically fit to drive safely. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on where to obtain a PDP medical certificate.
What is PDP medical form
A PDP (Professional Driving Permit) medical form is a required document to prove that a driver is medically fit to drive commercial vehicles on public roads, such as transporting goods, passengers, or dangerous goods. According to the SA government, drivers must show medical PDP forms/certificates to confirm that the driver is not suffering from health problems that may cause road-related injuries while driving.
Who need a PDP medical certificate
When driving heavy duty and public transport vehicles, you must have a professional driving permit. If you are driving one of the following vehicles, a PDP medical permit is required:
- Breakdown vehicles
- Buses
- Vehicles for the transport of goods ( GVM of more than 3 500 kg)
- Vehicles transporting dangerous goods (with a GVM of more than 3 500 kg)
- Minibus (with a GVM of more than 3 500 kg), or minibus designed or adapted for the transport of 12 or more people, including the driver.
- Motor vehicles (transporting 12 or more people, including the driver.
- Any vehicle (transport persons for payment).
Where to get medical certificate for PDP
You can get a medical PDP form download from the eNatis website, or you can obtain it from the nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). However, you can’t complete a PDF medical report for yourself. Instead, you must take it to a medical center or hospital. After a doctor performs a PDP medical test on you, they will complete the medical certificate form. During this test, the doctor will certify that you are healthy enough to drive a card. For example, you do not suffer from eye failure, poor balance or coordination, memory or concentration problems. You don’t lack muscle strength or control. There are no other medical conditions or symptoms for you.
How to apply for PDP in Cape Town
If you wish to apply for a PDP in Cape Town, you can follow the steps below to obtain a PDP medical certificate.
Prepare the required documents
- A completed PDP medical form (only valid for two months)
- Completed Professional Driving Permit Form (PD1)
- A valid ID card, such as a South African ID, passport, or driver’s license card
- Four passport photos
- Proof of postal and residential address (utility account).
- A valid driving licence with the same vehicle code.
- Certificate of Training for Category D Licence.
- A letter with an official date stamp from the ward councilor confirming your residence if you are staying in an informal settlement.
- The application fee
Get the medical test
You must have a medical certificate issued by a clinical hospital. Visit the nearest clinic or hospital with the printed PDP medical form. You will go through a lot of physical and mental tests to make sure you are healthy to drive. You must be examined by a qualified medical practitioner in the hospital. Otherwise, they will not accept the medical test on the application.
Visit the nearest Driving License Testing Centre DLTC
You must visit the nearest DLTC with the required documents. You can inform officers that you wish to apply for a PDP. Then, they will give you the PDP application form to complete. In addition, you must submit all documents and the application form.
Pay for the application fee
After you have submitted all the information, you will be required to pay the prescribed fee to ABSA Bank.
Collect your PDP form
After you have completed the payment, you will be referred to the nearest police station for a conviction report. Once the PDP form is completed, you will be informed to collect it. When you pick it up at the DLTC branch, don’t forget to bring your valid ID or any identification document.
Qualifying &Disqualifying medical conditions for PDP
If you wish to apply for PDP, you must meet the following qualifying medical conditions:
- In the past five years, you should not have a criminal record of driving under the influence of narcotic drugs, alcohol, or hallucinating drugs.
- In the past five years, you should not have been convicted of a criminal offence or fined for admission to guilt.
- You should not have a record of committing a violent offense.
- Your driving licence has not been suspended or revoked.
However, if you have the following medical conditions, you are not allowed to apply for a PDP in South Africa:
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Defective vision
- Sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or other causes
- Mental disorders requiring detention, supervision, control, and treatment under the Mental Health Act 1973
- Any medical condition causing muscular incoordination
How much does a PDP medical certificate cost
A PDP medical report certificate in South Africa will cost you from R150 to R450. You also need to pay for a doctor’s appointment, which can cost between R400 and R600. The fee may vary depending on the facility and how urgently you need the medical test form.
How long is a PDP medical certificate valid for
The PDP medical certificate is usually valid for two months before you submit the PDP date. Therefore, you must ensure that the PDP medical document is no older than two months. Otherwise, you will have to pay the test fee again.
Conclusion
All in all, every driver must have a PDP medical certificate before driving a vehicle on public roads to ensure that you are safe to drive. It is easy to obtain a professional driver ‘s license if you have prepared all the necessary documents and follow the instructions mentioned above.