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 2024?
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.
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.