Once you are a driver in South Africa, it is assumed that you must have acquired the basic knowledge of a motor vehicle and road rules. It is not enough to drive around in a vehicle; having a deep understanding of the road rules is an essential criterion that is also needed for you to be certified as a driver. One of the ways to find out if one is truly a driver or not is through the vehicle license. It is against the law to drive a vehicle in the country without a license, whether you are a learner or not.
To have a license, you must first and foremost book for one. The South African government, in recent times, has made it easy for learners to book a license without stress. One of such ways is the online platform through the electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis) and other related organizations. This article covers in detail everything you need to know about booking a learner’s license online, its requirements, and lots more.
What Is Learner’s Licence?
A learner’s license or learner’s permit is an official document issued to someone after the person must have passed the learner’s license test. It is a document given to someone who is learning to drive but has not yet qualified to obtain a driver’s license. As a holder of the learner’s license, you are entitled to drive on a public road only when you have a suitable and qualified driver by your side. If the vehicle you are driving requires a professional driving license, the driver accompanying you must have his driving license with him while you are driving.
Also, note that before you are given the permit, you’ll need to understand the following:
- The rules of the road
- Signs and signals on the road
- Road markings
- Vehicle control
Here’s How To Book Learner’s License Online Test
The learner’s license test is taken to prove your ability to drive. If you must be issued the permit, you must pass the test. That is the only way to obtain your license. The concerned authorities must make sure that you scale through successfully before you are handed the permit.
To book an online test, simply follow the steps below.
Step 1
- Go to your browser and log on to https://online.natis.gov.za/#/E7061. This is the official website of the National Traffic Information System.
Step 2
- Navigate to the Home page
- Click on “Book now for Learner’s License Test.”
Step 3
- Select your preferred licensed type and category
Step 4
- Fill the application form displayed on your screen with the correct details.
Step 5
- Click on the “submit” button to complete the application process.
How Much Does The Learner’s Licence Booking Cost?
The learner’s license booking fee, which is also part of the registration process, is meant to be paid the same day of registration. There are various factors that determine how much you will pay for your license. They include your location (province), the time of booking, and the year of booking.
Here’s the breakdown of the fees for nine provinces in the country.
- Gauteng – R59
- Free State – R59
- Limpopo – R135
- Northern Cape – R85
- Eastern Cape – R162
- KwaZulu-Natal – R115
- North West – R95
- Western Cape – R95
- Mpumalanga – R150
Note: On the day of the test, you will need to submit your booking receipt and ID. And you’ll need to pay the issuance fee upon passing the test, which will be issued the same day.
Here Are Learner’s Licence Booking Requirements
Before I talk about the requirements for the booking, it is essential to let you know that there are certain items you must have handy before you begin the process of booking a license test. You must be fit as well. If you are a foreigner in South Africa, you also need to have certain documents handy before booking a test.
Take a look at what you need to do before booking a test.
- You must have a means of identification, such as an identity card (SA identification) or a passport.
- You need to pass the eye test conducted at the testing center.
- You must meet the health requirements.
- You must have two recent passport size photographs, which could be colored or black and white.
- Foreigners who wish to apply must have a valid passport and any travel document under the Ministry of Home Affairs with a Traffic Register Number.
Note:
- A person who’s of the minimum required age is expected to hold valid ID documents before sitting for the exams.
- The minimum age requirement varies depending on the vehicle class. The age bracket ranges from 16 to 18 years and above.
Here are the requirements for a learner’s license
Once these requirements are met, it is left for the concerned authorities to book a test with the person and then issue a license to such qualified persons or potential motorists. To successfully book the test online, you need the following;
- An original ID
- Two clear photocopies of your ID photographs. For this, you’ll need to confirm the number of copies needed with the driving licensing testing center (DLTC).
- The license booking fee. Depending on your location, this can cost you between R55 to R162, and it should be paid on time.
- Proof of your residence. A utility bill will do. But if you don’t have one, you can swear an affidavit stating that you reside in a particular area.
- Informal settlers are to provide a letter of residence which must have an official stamp from the councilor in charge of the person’s ward. This confirms your postal and residential address.
What Happens To Expired Learner’s Licence In South Africa?
The learner’s license in South Africa is proof that you have the basic knowledge of the rules of the road and the motor vehicle. Its validity lasts for a certain period, after which you will be issued another one. However, the issuance of another one does not just happen like that; you have to do something. You must reapply.
Three months before the expiry date of the license, you’re expected to reapply for renewal. For this process, you’ll need to sit and pass another theory test. You’ll be issued a temporary license to cover the day you’ll sit for the test if it has already expired before the day.
For help, clarification, and questions, you can also visit the license office using their address. You also browse online to find out if they can be reached through chats, emails, and telephone.
Find Out How Long A Learner’s Licence Is Valid For
The learner’s license is validity period is 24 months from the date of issue. It cannot be extended once it expires. Do not pay anyone for an extension of your license’s validity because it is illegal. All you have to do is to apply for another one and then follow the processes that follow.
Different Categories of Learner’s License
There are three (3) categories/codes of learner’s licenses in South Africa. You must internalize them to know the category you belong to. The categories are:
Code 1
The learner’s license is issued to the drivers of the following automobiles – motorcycle, quadricycle, motor tricycles that are not more than 125cc. Also, the driver must not be less than 16 years of age on the test date. For a motorcycle engine above 125cc, the driver is expected to be from 17 years and above.
Code 2
This category includes motor vehicles, minibusses, buses, or goods vehicles that have a maximum weight of 3500 kg. The driver must be 17 years or more by the time he is taking the test.
Code 3
This is for motor vehicles whose weight is beyond 3500 kg. In this category, the driver must be 18 years or more to apply for a learner’s license.
Note:
- Learners above sixty-five years of age must fill out a Medical Certification (MC) form, which is also available at the driving licensing testing centers (DLTC).
- An eye test will then be conducted by a qualified physician, which will be presented at the testing center.
