A learner’s licence is a document that allows you to drive under the close supervision of a licenced driver. What it means is that you cannot operate a motor vehicle by yourself without a licenced driver present. The learner’s licence only attests that you know some basics about operating a motor vehicle and are acquainted with the traffic laws and rules governing driving.
Learners licences are valid for no longer than 24 months (2 years) without any room for an extension. To get the licence, you must first take the test; you could take the test onsite at the nearest driving licencing test centre or online. In this article, we will provide you with the steps to book a learner’s licence online.
To book for the test online, you are required to present several documents as proof of qualification as well as a booking fee. These are the documents you would need.
Documents needed to book a learner’s test online
- You should have your original identification documents.
- Have two black and white ID photographs with you that are identical to each other. (it is important you double-check the number of pictures you need at your local driving licencing test centre.)
- Be ready to pay a booking fee. Again, check with your nearest centre for the exact amount.
- You must include proof of residence by either submitting a utility bill or any other document that proves you stay there. If none of the bills is in your name, ask the person whose name it is to provide you with an affidavit.
- If you are a resident of an informal settlement, you are required to submit a stamped letter from your ward councillor. This will act as your proof of residence.
To book for the test online, simply follow these steps.
- Get your documents ready.
- Have your booking fee handy
- Fill out the LL1 application form, which is the application form for a learner’s licence. You will be required to fill in your name, email address, and telephone number.
- You can book for the learner’s test and fill out the application form by making use of the government’s National Traffic Information system (eNatis)
Where can you get the application forms?
There is only one application form for the learner’s licence, but there is an additional requirement that is specific only for a particular group of people:
- The LL1 is the only application form for the learner’s licence.
- The MC is a medical certificate that is attached to the LL1 application form. This certificate is a requirement for applicants 65 and over. Both forms are available at the following places:
You can get the forms online by checking the national traffic information system (eNatis) website.
You can also get the forms at any driving licence testing centre (DLTC). There is a total of 12 centres which are:
- Johannesburg
- Western cape municipalities
- Tshwane
- North cape municipalities
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- North-west municipalities
- Eastern cape municipalities
- Mpumalanga municipalities
- KwaZulu-Natal municipalities
- Limpopo municipalities
- Free state municipalities
- City of Cape town
The centres in these areas should be able to provide you with all necessary forms as well as any other information you might need with regards to the entire process and fee requirements.
Step-by-step guide for taking the learners licence test
As we have already explained, you can book the test online by following the steps above or by going to the nearest driving licence test centre. Which one you choose works and either way, you will be required to take the learner’s licence test on-site and in person. When you complete your booking process, you will be given an appointment for the test. To take the learner’s licence test here is what you should do:
Step 1: Book a date.
If you thought you would be able to take the test whenever you like, then you are wrong. That is why you are required to book for your test. When you book for a test, you are given an appointment, a date when you will be tested. This is so that the process is not chaotic and unsafe.
Step 2: Pay the booking fee.
After booking a date, you will be required to pay a booking fee that ranges between R55 and R213. The cost may vary by province, so please check with your local driving licence test centre. When you complete the payment, you will be handed a receipt.
Step 3: Fill out the necessary form.
Before filling out the LL1 licence application form, you will be required to present all the necessary documents; the form requires that you include your identification details, contact, and address details. If you are a foreigner who is temporarily residing in South Africa, you will be required to state your country of origin.
Step 4: Do an eye test.
A licenced optometrist will be present at the testing centre to conduct an eye test. This eye test is mandatory for all candidates. It is to ensure that your eyes are in good condition for driving. If you pass this phase, then your form will be submitted to the testing centre.
Step 5: Know the basics.
To pass the test, you should know the basic traffic laws and road rules. You should know the signs and what they mean. You should also know the basics of operating a motor vehicle.
Step 6: Have your booking receipt handy.
When you book for your test and pay the fee, you will be given a receipt. You are required to have that receipt with you as well as your identification documents when you take the test.
Step 7: Pay the issue fee.
If you pass the test, then congratulations are in order! You are, however, required to pay a licence issue fee which, again, may vary in terms of cost. When you pay this fee, your licence will be handed to you the same day.
Categories of motor vehicles
Motor vehicles have been divided into three categories according to the weight of the engine. For every motor vehicle category, there is also an age restriction. This is to ensure road safety and security. Below are the categories:
Code 1: moto cycles
This category is for all kinds of motorcycles. It includes motorcycles that have sidecars, tricycles as well as four-wheel motorcycles. To qualify to take the test, you must be 16 years or older on the scheduled date of the test on the condition that the motorcycle’s engine does not weigh more than 125 cc; if it does, then you would have to be 18 and over.
Code 2: lightweight motor vehicles
This category is for vehicles that do not exceed a gross vehicle mass of 3500kg. It includes cars, minibuses, a bus or a cargo vehicles. To take this test, you are required to be 17 years or older on the scheduled date of the test.
Code 3: heavyweight vehicles
Any motor vehicle that exceeds a gross weight of 3500kg falls under this category. This includes big buses, trucks, trailers etc. To qualify to take the learner’s licence test, you must be 18 and over on the scheduled date of the test. It is important you verify the category you fall under and that you qualify to take the test.
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This article provides a generalised guide for booking and applying for a learner’s permit. If you have any queries about a specific situation you would like addressed, please visit the nearest driving licence testing centre.
