Operating public transport is securely guarded by the employment of the Professional Driving Permit (PDP) in South Africa, which is a crucial document for carrying out heavy-duty work. This article sets out a guideline for PDP that contains the requirements, application, cost, and all other information needed for a straightforward renewal. Continue reading this article to make sure the procedures are satisfied and the normal journey of commercial driving is not disturbed.
Difference between PDP and PRDP
Generally, the two permits are essentially the same. A Public Drivers Permit (PDP) is a permit that was issued before 1998 to drivers who were receiving money for driving a vehicle on public roads. A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) instead of PDP has been introduced now. The main objective is to extend the evaluation criteria to check the suitability of the drivers who are medically fit and have a clean driving history. This is especially crucial for those often driving, transporting hazardous materials, or group carriages. Moreover, the difference between a PrDP license and a PDP license is that the PrDP is meant for drivers of trucks transporting goods for business and not just for public service vehicles as in the past. Thus, they must comply with the legal standards of health and behavior.
📢Tip: To learn more about different types of driver’s licence, you can head over to South Africa Driver’s Licence Code [2024 Updated]. It will help you find four categories of PDP and decide which licence you should apply for.
When Do You Need a PDP License
If you are hoping to transport passengers, loads, or hazardous items on a commercial basis, in exchange for payment, you need to apply for a Professional Driving Permit alongside your regular driver’s license. The PDP is an additional document proving your suitability for responsibility for commercial driving activities. In South Africa, businesses that seek to engage in traffic operations in the country must have professional driving licenses to conduct their operations legally.
PDP License Requirements
Here we provide some professional driving permit criteria for vehicles and age, let’s take a look.
The following vehicles require a Public Drivers Permit (PDP) for operation
1. All vehicles like buses, cabs, taxis, metro trains, and other local trains are used for the professional transportation of people.
2. A car or a minibus that carries more than 12 passengers or the driver is considered to be public transportation.
3. All buses.
4. Heavy vehicles such as trucks weighing over 3500 kg.
5. Vehicles intended to carry hazardous or combustible substances with heavy weight over 3500kg.
6. All breakdown vehicles.
Age restrictions apply to different categories of motor vehicles for holding a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
Category G: You will be required to be at least 18 years and above to possess a PrDP for a goods vehicle (nondangerous) and breakdown vehicles.
Category P: You must be 21 years or older to qualify for a PrDP for passenger(seating more than 12 passengers, taxis, and any vehicle carrying more than 12) vehicles.
Category D: The age of at least 25 years is a must for you to be issued with a PrDP for a hazardous goods vehicle. It also allows the operation of class G and P vehicles.
Required Documents for PDP License
Make sure to gather the following documents to apply for a Professional Driving Permit in South Africa.
1. Identity document (ID).
2. Driving license card.
3. Valid South African passport.
4. The valid driving license for the vehicle type you are applying for.
5. Four black-and-white photos for PDP.
6. Training certificate (if applicable).
7. Medical certificate (valid if not older than two months).
8. Other professional or public driving permits you hold.
9. Proof of residential address.
10. Prescribed fee.
How to Get a PDP License in South Africa
Here we will discuss how to get a PDP license in South Africa, if you are Gauteng residents, you can apply online for a professional driving permit. However, if not, applying it in person is also a great choice.
Apply for a PDP License in Person
Step 1. Go to the driving license testing center (DLTC) and finish the application form for a professional driving permit (PD1).
Step 2. Fill out the form to notify changes to your address or personal /organizational details.
IMPORTANT: If the utility bill is not under your name, the bill owner must get an affidavit stating that you live at the address indicated with the bill as proof. The inhabitants of informal settlements will have to receive a letter addressed to that particular ward from the councilor and the letter should be stamped with the official date stamp.
Step 3. Bring the required documents as mentioned in part 2 to apply for a Professional Driving Permit.
Step 4. Do an eye test at the testing center or submit the form that has an eye test performed by a qualified optometrist.
Step 5. Complete the payment, and then you will be required to submit a conviction report from the police station. Alternatively, if the DLTC has a live capturing unit (LCU), the report will be sent electronically to the police station.
Step 6. Please note that before processing the application, please deposit the application fee into the following account.
IMPORTANT: Actually, not all centers issue a license with credit cards. In case you are paying with a card, you should find out the information from the center beforehand whether they accept cards as payment or not. Notwithstanding that, be prepared to have cash with you during the application process.
| Bank details for depositing application fee: Account name: Ideco AFISwitch (Pty) Ltd Bank: ABSABranch: Business Banking Johannesburg North Account Type: Cheque Account number: 4074078548Branch code: 630256 |
Step 7. Fill in the ID number of the applicant as the reference and take identification such as an ID to collect the PrDP card once the authority informs you.
Apply for a PDP License Online
For the residents in Gauteng, applying for the PDP can be completed via the National Traffic and Information System website. Applicants can proceed with the procedures on the website to finish the process. To finish your application, eNatis will use the phone number provided to send you the One Time Pin (OTP) via SMS.
Note: online bookings only support applications for PrDP for goods, passenger & dangerous goods, applications for duplicates of learners licenses, driving license & PrDPs.
Step 1. Book a slot on the eNatis website.
Step 2. Download the application and medical clearance form from a licensing center.
Step 3. Get the medical clearance from a health care center.
Step 4. Get ready for the following: Do your eye test, criminal record check, and payment instructions.
Step 5. Fill in the ID number of the applicant as the reference and take identification such as an ID to collect the PrDP card once the authority informs you.
🔎👉Read Also: How to Renew Driving Licence in South Africa?
How Long Does It Take to Get a PDP License
Once you finish the needed PDP requirements, you can get your permits after a maximum of 12 weeks. It’s important to submit documents with correct information, avoiding any application delay.
How Much Does a PDP Cost
It is recommended that you consult your local DLTC for the actual required fee amounts since different licensing offices have varied stipulated PDP license application costs.
How to Check If Your PDP Is Ready for Collection
There are two options available for you to choose. First, you can text your ID number to 33214 for checking. And the second is visiting the NaTIS website and clicking ‘Query Driving License Card’. Then fill out your ID type, ID Number, Surname, and Initials. After that, click ‘Next’ and the license status will present on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I get a temporary driver’s license in South Africa?
A1: This provisional license which is valid for six months. To get a temporary driving license, you have two choices: go to the driving license testing center (DLTC) or download the smart cards from the Official portal. Bring along the following documents: a valid ID or ID-temporary certificate, criminal record as well as home address correspondence, such as a utility account, should be brought forward.
Q2: How to write Affidavit for lost drivers license in South Africa?
A2: In case of a lost affidavit, the following details need to be provided:
1. The complete legal name of the affiant.
2. Date of birth.
3. Address of the affiant.
4. The date of either loss or finding of loss.
5. Narration of the environment in which the loss took place.
6. Signature and notarization.
Q3: How long is a PDP license valid?
A3: The obtainable period of Public Drivers Permit (PDP) is still 24 months, or two years in value. The expiration date is dearly written on the card and the date is clearly visible, being well displayed on the front of the card. At the end of the PDP when it has expired, the PDP renewal process is the same way as the first application.
Conclusion
In South Africa, the process of getting the Public Drivers Permit (PDP) involves a natural set of requirements and one needs to go through the online booking system or go to the local DLTC in person. These listings comprise the submission of identification documents, declaration of the home address, and the medical tests. After the PDP is granted, its validity would last for another two years and with the same application process too. By following the mentioned rules, it is ensured that drivers obey the traffic laws and that it is one of the important operational aspects included in the transportation industry.