Drivers License Test

Below is a list of things You need to do in taking your driving test and steps that will help you pass it on the first try.

  1. Go to the nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date. Take the following with you:
    • your learner’s licence.
    • your identity document (ID).
    • four identical black-and-white photographs. You must first confirm with the 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. 
    • if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councilor confirming your residential address
    • a booking fee. 
  2. Gauteng residents should 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.

Steps to Passing Your Driving Exams

  • A pre-trip inspection of the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
  • A yard test of your basic manoeuvring skills, away from traffic:
    • starting the engine;
    • moving off;
    • turning around in the road: ‘three-point-turn’ (light vehicles only);
    • alley docking: reversing into an alley, and driving out again;
    • parallel parking (light vehicles only);
    • stopping and moving off on an incline;
    • left turn (light vehicles if towing a trailer, and heavy vehicles); and
    • reversing in a straight line (light vehicles if towing a trailer, and heavy vehicles).
  • A road test conducted on public roads carrying traffic, including the following situations where available:
    • obeying traffic signals;
    • changing lanes;
    • overtaking;
    • speed control;
    • turning left and right at intersections;
    • proceeding through an intersection;
    • uncontrolled intersections;
    • obeying yield signs and traffic lights;
    • stopping in traffic;
    • stopping at a stop sign;
    • a traffic circle;
    • a railway level crossing;
    • a pedestrian crossing;
    • entering a freeway;
    • leaving a freeway;
    • passing a freeway off-ramp and on-ramp;
    • overtaking on a freeway; and
    • an emergency stop.

PRO Test Tips

Here are some driving test tips to pass, if your test is tomorrow or in one month they will come in handy.

Now that you are calm regarding the “What to Expect”-aspect of the day, there are a few other things which will make passing easier:

1) Timing Is Everything

Do not rush the process of learning how to drive, it is a time consuming process which needs to be given the appropriate amount of time to develop through experience and countless hours of driving.

2) Plan Your Money

When you start learning how to drive, it is important to take into consideration all the different costing aspects thereof such as the cost of your learner’s licence, lessons, and the K53 driver’s licence test.

You do not want to add additional stress on yourself while you are worried about getting your licence.

3) Sign Up For Regular Driving Lessons

For a consistent learning curve, you need to receive regular lessons which will ensure that your progress is steady. The progress during your lessons will boost your confidence in your driving ability.

Aim for two hours of lessons per week, together with your steady learning and growing confidence your ability to remember the skills and training which you have learned will increase.

4) Keep Track Of Your Progress

Some instructors keep a log of your progress, to motivate you to keep working hard at becoming a better driver as you can follow your improvements and achievements.

A progress log is also kept to remind you of skills which still need to be acquired to master driving.

5) Practice, Practice And Oh Yeah Practice Some More

Driving two hours per week is not enough preparation to pass the test or for being a pertinent driver once you have your licence, you need to practice.

Choose a friend or a family member with a lot of patience who you trust or regard as a good driver to be your passenger and hit the roads, offer to drive them anywhere whether it be the local grocery store or the mall, get as much practice as possible.

6) Modern Technology Makes The World Go Round

With the technology available to us today there is no need to stay in the dark and not be prepared for the unexpected, use the online driving lessons, the driver’s manuals and online driving video’s to your advantage.

Remember to look for driving test tips South Africa when you are searching the web as the South African test requirements are different from other countries.

7) Mock Tests Are Your Secret Weapon

There are three different road test routes for the K53 Driving test, do yourself a favor and practice all three at least once.

Familiarizing yourself with the routes will settle your nerves putting your mind at ease in knowing what to expect.

8) Get Your Beauty Sleep

Having a clear mind is very important; go to sleep early to enable you to have a clear mind. If you think it will ease your nerves, arrange a lesson with your instructor to commence before the test.

9) Keep Calm And Pass Your Test

Deep breaths have always proven to calm a person’s nerves, if you feel your heart racing and your head pounding take a few deep breaths in and out to relax, don’t rush through the calming process, and take it one breath at a time allowing yourself to gradually relax.

Remember minor mistakes will not result in an immediate fail, do not dwell on minor mistakes concentrate on making the best of the chances you still have to make a good impression.