Drivers License

Introduction

A driver’s license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. 

To apply for a Drivers License you need to already have a valid learner’s License for the code for which you are applying, as well as have access to your roadworthy vehicle for the test.

In this blog post, we will be looking into Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa, types of driving license in South Africa, How long does driving license takes and many others.

Let’s get started:

Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa

Drivers License RenewalDrivers License CheckDrivers License Renewal Cost
Drivers License Status CheckDrivers License Renewal FormDrivers License Codes
Drivers License BookingDrivers License TestDrivers License Application
Drivers License Test BookingDrivers License ExpiredDrivers License Card Collection
Drivers License LostDrivers License LearnersDrivers License Extension

Types of driving licence in South Africa

You need a driving license to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving license, you must have a learner’s license.

Different licenses are issued for the various categories of motor vehicle:

Code A1: This is for a motorcycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine not exceeding 125 cc. You must be at least 17 years old on the date of the test.

Code A: This is for a motorcycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine that exceeds 125 cc. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

Code B: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus and goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

Code C1: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus, minibus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

Code C: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus or a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg. 

Code EB: This is for a:

  • A light motor vehicle that is articulated (light motor vehicle drawing a trailer) with a gross combination mass not exceeding 3,500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply
  • Combination of a motor vehicle with a tare not exceeding 3 500 kg and a minibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply. 

Code EC1: This is for:

  • An articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a  gross combination mass between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
  • A combination of a motor vehicle with a tare between 3 500 kg and 16 500 kg and a minibus, midibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

Code EC: This is for an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass exceeding 16 000 kg or a combination of a bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

How to apply for a driving licence in South Africa

The below article provides you with a step-by-step guide on How to apply for a driving license in South Africa.

What you should do

  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 license: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
  3. Complete the Application for driving license 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.

How long does processing Driving License take

  • Your driving license should be ready within four to six weeks.
  • A temporary driving license is issued immediately.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we looked into the Top Keywords about Driver Licenses in South Africa, types of driving licenses in South Africa, How long does driving license takes, and many others.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: