Cost of the driver’s licence varies between R200 – R300, but remember to account for a temporary licence at around R100, should you need one. For convenience, have enough cash as well as a debit or credit card on hand to make payment.
These are some of the most common questions new drivers will want to know:
Applying for a new driver’s licence
1. What do I need to obtain a driver’s licence?
A valid learner’s licence, an identity document (green bar-coded ID book or Smart ID Card), four 45mm x 35mm identical black and white photographs* of yourself, proof of address not older than 3 months, a completed DL1 form, and the required fee.
* Confirm with your Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) for the latest requirements.
2. What is the minimum age I can apply for a driver’s licence?
18 years old.
3. How much does a driver’s licence cost?
The booking fee costs from R220 to R300, depending on the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). After passing your test, the fee to be issued with your driver’s licence card is approximately R250, depending on the DLTC.
4. How long does it take to get a driver’s licence in South Africa?
A driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks.
A temporary driving licence is issued immediately.
5. How long is a driver’s licence valid in South Africa?
5 years. Once the licence expires it must be renewed but it’s best to begin the process ahead of time.
6. How long is a temporary driver’s licence valid in South Africa?
Six months. You can apply for a temporary driving licence if you have applied for the renewal of your expired driver’s licence or if it has been lost.
7. How long do I have to collect my driver’s licence?
Licences not collected within 120 days are destroyed.
8. What do I need to bring when I collect my driver’s licence card?
You need to produce your identity document (green bar-coded ID book or Smart ID Card).
9. Can someone collect my licence on my behalf?
If another person is set to collect the driving licence, the person collecting the licence will need to have a certified copy of their ID, a certified copy of the driver’s ID, and an affidavit giving permission to collect on your behalf and the reason why you’re unable to collect the licence yourself. It must also include the name and ID number of the person making the collection.
10. How long is a driver’s licence valid for?
5 years. The expiry date appears on the driver’s licence card, and before it expires, you need to apply for a new card.
Renewing a driver’s licence
1. What is required to renew my driver’s licence?
You will need to take along your current driving licence card, valid ID, proof of address not older than 3 months, a completed DL1 application form, and two 45mm x 35mm identical black and white or colour photographs* of yourself.
* Confirm with your Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) for the latest requirements.
2. How much does it cost to renew your driver’s licence in South Africa?
The cost of renewing your licence varies between municipalities but averages around R250. Contact your local licencing office for the latest fees.
3. Where can I renew my driver’s licence?
You can make use of a location search tool like Google Maps to find your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre.
4. Can I renew my driver’s licence online?
All Gauteng residents can apply online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/. Other provinces are set to begin rolling out in the upcoming months.
5. Can I renew my driver’s licence at the Post Office?
Only post offices that have been designated as a testing centre are able to renew your driver’s licence card.
6. How much does it cost to renew my driver’s licence in 2025?
Fees and even methods of payment vary between provinces. Cost of the driver’s licence varies between R200 – R300, but remember to account for a temporary licence at around R100, should you need one. For convenience, have enough cash as well as a debit or credit card on hand to make payment.
For more detailed information on driver’s licence renewals visit https://www.gov.za/services/driving-licence/renew-driving-licence
Professional driver’s permits
1. What is a PDP licence?
To drive on a public road in South Africa transporting goods, dangerous goods or passengers for an income you must have a professional driving permit (PDP, also known as PrDP).
2. Where can I find full and detailed information about a professional driving permit?
Go to https://www.gov.za/services/driving-licence/professional-driving-permit to read more information about this permit, how to apply, how long it takes, what the costs are, and what forms are required to complete.