How to Drive in Namibia

What is a driving?

Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and bicycles. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to follow the established road and traffic laws in the location they are driving.

Where and how to drive in Namibia

To drive a vehicle in Namibia, you need a valid driving licence and must carry it with you when you are driving. If your driver’s licence is not printed in English, it is advisable to travel with an International Driver’s Licence. Make sure you are fully insured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive in Namibia?

Namibia is generally regarded as a safe country to travel and self drive in, provided you take the usual precautions. In fact, I’d say that the roads are just as safe as Europe and the US, if not safer due to the lack of traffic. Outside these areas, there’s very few people on the roads in Namibia

Do you need 4×4 for Namibia?

A question most people ask is “do I need a 4×4 for Namibia?”. Technically, no. The road system in Namibia, save for the most remote locations, is comprised of well maintained tarred or gravel roads and most of the main tourist sites can be reached without a 4×4 specifically (but something robust is recommended).

How do I get a Namibian drivers license?

You will need to be at least 16 years old to acquire an A1 type permit. Then an age of 18 years for those who want a Class A, B, BE, C1, C, C1E license at the time of application. Documents required to obtain your driving license: An ID.14.

How are the roads in Namibia?

The majority of roads in Namibia are gravel, which varies from coarse gravel to fine sand and dust. The condition of these roads is generally very good and there is a continuous effort by the roads authority to maintain them.

Is Namibia safer than South Africa?

Namibia is safer than South Africa (roads, crime, etc), but I say that with caution as you should use your head in any country. Windhoek is generally friendly, but obviously don’t flash your touristness about.

How much is it to go to Namibia?

A vacation to Namibia for one week usually costs around N$7,801 for one person. So, a trip to Namibia for two people costs around N$15,602 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs N$31,204 in Namibia.

At what age can you get your license in Namibia?

The Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Laws requires a learner driver to be 17 years of age before such a person can get a learners licence. This means that since you have a learners licence, you should have mastered the rules of the road and the more than 400 road signs.

Can you buy a car without a license in Namibia?

A few requirements to buy a new car (with bank financing) is essentially that you must have bank account. You must have a valid Namibian Driver’s license. You need to have good credit (not on some sort of blacklist) and you need to be employed permanently (at least for the last six months).

How long does a learners license last in Namibia?

A Namibian learners license is valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue.

How many km of road does Namibia have?

The country’s 48,875.27 km roads (2017) are administered by the Roads Authority, a state-owned enterprise established by Act #17 of 1999. Due to low traffic volumes the majority of roads are not tarred. The distribution of road surfaces is: 6,664 kilometres (4,141 mi) standard bitumen road.

Why does Namibia have the best roads in Africa?

Namibia’s success is attributed to two important factors, namely an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging its life span, and the upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads.

How do I register my car in Namibia?

  • You will need the following forms:
  • Certified copy of acceptable identification (Namibian ID, Namibian drivers license or a NaTIS traffic register certificate)
  • Original vehicle registration certificate.
  • Police Clearance Certificate (valid for 90 days)

Can a foreigner buy a car in Namibia?

A foreigner may have a Namibian registered vehicle in Namibia even if he does not live here. In answer to your questions : 1) Tax based on value of vehicle : In Namibia we have VAT @ 15% on the value of goods sold, but it has to be included in the selling price and is not a tax to be paid seperately by the buyer.

How many NaTIS are there in Namibia?

NaTIS, a subdivision of Transport Information and Regulatory Services, manages 37 registering authorities (NaTIS offices) countrywide of which only some ​are managed by local authorities. Majority are managed by RA.

How do I register a taxi in Namibia?

  • Company registration (founding statements), your principal business being tourism.
  • A letter from the Namibian Tourism Board stating you are registered with them.
  • Certified ID copies of all members.

How do I register for driving school in Namibia?

  • Obtain police clearance from the Namibian police regarding the motor vehicle.
  • Put motor vehicle through roadworthiness.
  • Apply at registering authority to register and license motor vehicle on your name.

How do I register with NaTIS?

  • Complete all the required information and click on “Register”.
  • When you receive the activation message via your preferred method of contact, click on the link provided to activate your account.

How do I check if my driving Licence is ready in Namibia?

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  • Log into your eCitizen account.
  • Select NTSA tab.
  • Then select on check status.
  • You will then get a notification regarding whether your License is prepared or not.

 

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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:

  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.
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  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.

 

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