What is a Learner's Licence? Why do I need one?

 

A Learner’s Licence is a permit that proves that you have basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and the rules of the road, and allows you to drive when you are supervised by a licensed driver.

Before you are allowed to drive on your own, you need to get your Learner’s Licence. It is obtained by passing a written theory test.

 

When can I apply for my Learners Licence? What requirements do I need to meet?

 

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Code 1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar, motor tricycle or quadracycle. You must be 16 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply if the motorcycle’s engine does not exceed 125 cc and 17 years or older if it exceeds 125 cc.

 

Code 2: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus or goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 17 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.

 

Code 3: This is for a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3 500kg. You must be 18 years or older on the date of the test in order to apply.

 

You need to have a valid ID document.

You need to pass an Eye Test.

 

What would stop me from qualifying or even applying for a Learner's Licence?

 

You cannot apply for someone else. You can only apply for yourself.

You cannot apply for a licence if you have a licence that was suspended or cancelled by a court of law and the period for the suspension has not yet ended.

If you have any illness or disease or disability, that would endanger yourself and others if you were driving. eg: A severe mental illness, blindness or really poor vision, uncontrollable epilepsy, common dizzy spells or frequent fainting – which could be caused by numerous factors. You will also not be granted a licence if you suffer any muscular co-ordination or Diabetes Mellitus or if you are an addict to mind altering substances. Having hearing problems or being deaf, is NOT regarded as a problem or driving limitation.

If you have not studied properly and do not know the rules of the road, road traffic signs, plus signals and surface markings and also the controls of the car or motorcycle – you will not pass and therefore not qualify. We suggest you practise numerous times, to be sure you will pass.

 

How do I book for my Learner's Licence?

 

Go to the nearest driving licensing testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date and confirm the booking.

Bring your ID or valid Passport. We’ve recently been told by some people that a certified copy of your ID or Passport is required. Some centres have a place for you to get certified copies of your ID while you are there but you should check this before you go.

Bring two recent photographs, passport size, in black and white or colour (most photography centres know to take the correct size photographs).

Complete the Application for Learner’s Licence form (LL1), which is available at the DLTC. If you are 65 years or older, you must also complete a Medical certificate form (MC), which is also available at the DLTC.

You will go for an eye test at the testing centre or alternatively, you may have an eye test performed at a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the testing centre.

 

Can I get a South African Learner's Licence as a foreigner?

 

Yes. you can watch the video below 

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​​​​What are the codes for the various types of Learner Licence?

 

There are three types of Learner’s Licences, based on the type of vehicle you will be driving:

 

Code A and A1 / Code 1 for Motorcycles.

Code B and EB / Code 8 / Code 2 for Light Motor Vehicles.

Code C,C1,EC1,EC /Code 10 / Code 14 / Code 3 for Heavy Vehicles.

 

What should I bring with me when I book for my Learner's Licence Test? What is the cost?

 

Your ID or valid Passport.

Proof of residence.

You will need to complete a LL1 form which will be provided to you at the centre (bring a pen) or you can print the LL1 form in advance.

Bring two recent photographs, passport size, in black and white or colour (most photography centres know to take the correct size photographs).

If you need glasses, be sure to bring them or wear your contact lenses for the eye test conducted at the testing centre.

The current cost of booking the test for your Learner’s Licence ranges from between R55 and R213, depending on which province you’re in. The Government Services site used to provide a breakdown of costs by province, but they no longer supply one. Your best option for determining the cost for booking for a test is to contact your local driving licence testing centre. Another option is to contact a local driving school or instructor who deals with your local driving licence testing centre – they will generally be aware of what the current costs are. They are subject to change without notice though, so you may always want to bring a little bit of extra money with you just in case.

 

What should I bring with me on the day that I am scheduled to write the test?

 

A copy of the receipt you were given for payment when applying to write the test.

Your ID book.

Between R37 and R126 – depending in which province you are in – for the licence issuing fee if you pass your test. The Government Services site used to provide a breakdown of costs by province, but they no longer supply one. Your best option for determining the cost of your licencing fee is to contact your local driving licence testing centre. Another option is to contact a local driving school or instructor who deals with your local driving licence testing centre – they will generally be aware of what the current costs are. They are subject to change without notice though, so you may always want to bring a little bit of extra money with you just in case.

Bring a spare pen and pencil with you, just in case!

Note: If you are late, or if you have not brought the above documentation, you will not be able to write the test AND you will forfeit any monies paid already! So get there early!

 

What percentage do I need in order to pass & how is the test laid out?

 

The test itself is a multiple-choice test – there are no-paragraph or essay-like questions.

There are 3 sections: “Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings”, “Rules of the Road”, and “Controls for Vehicles”. The first 2 sections have 28 questions each, whereas Controls for Vehicles has 8 questions. You need to pass each section on its own before you can pass the whole test – so if you pass 2 of the 3 sections, but fail 1 section (even a little), you will NOT pass your test. You need to pass all 3 sections. The number of questions you need to get right for each section are as follows:

Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings: 23/28 

Rules of the Road: 22/28

Controls for Vehicles: 6/8 

Please note that these numbers may differ slightly between testing centres, so we advise that you always check your local testing centre to see what their requirements are.

 

How long after I have written the test will it take for me to obtain my actual Learners Licence? How long is it Valid for?

 

You will receive it immediately after you have passed, for an additional fee of between R37 and R126, depending on what province you are in. See the Government Services site used to provide a breakdown of costs by province, but they no longer supply one. Your best option for determining the cost of your licencing fee is to contact your local driving licence testing centre. Another option is to contact a local driving school or instructor who deals with your local driving licence testing centre – they will generally be aware of what the current costs are. They are subject to change without notice though, so you may always want to bring a little bit of extra money with you just in case.

As of 2010, your licence will be valid for 24 months (2 years) from date of issue. After that, it will expire, and if you wish to pursue a Driver’s Licence, you will need to reapply and rewrite the Learner’s Test.

 

I have my Learner's Licence - Now what?

 

You should get your driver’s licence!

Once you have your Learner’s Licence, be sure to stick the giant red letter “L” in the bottom left hand corner of the rear window of the car you will be driving in.

We suggest you go for lessons at a reputable driving school with a professional driving instructor, or ask your parents or someone with many years of driving experience to teach you. Be aware that while your parents may know how to drive, they may not be aware of the specific K53 style of driving. 

 

You may drive only under the supervision of a person who already has a valid Driver’s Licence, for the same category of vehicle you are about to drive in.

We strongly suggest that this person sit next to you at all times. 

 

If your Learner’s Licence is for a motorcycle and your motorcycle does not have a side car, you are not allowed to carry a passenger. You are therefore permitted to drive your motorcycle on your own, once you have had lessons from an experienced motorcycle rider.

 

When should I NOT attempt to drive?

 

If you have had alcohol to drink.

If you have taken any drugs.

If you have taken medication that leads to drowsiness (see medication information insert).

If you are very tired.

If you have just had a fight with someone and or for some other reason you are feeling very angry or upset.

If you need to talk on the cell phone, send SMS or read an SMS.

If your car has a flat tyre.

If it is raining and your windscreen wipers are defective or worn through.

If your tyres are needing to be replaced due to low tread. (Many insurance companies will not pay you out for a claim if it turns out that when you had an accident, your tyres were worn.)

If your car has any other mechanical problems. Tip: Always have your car checked if it suddenly starts making strange noises as this is often an indication of something really wrong