The process of getting your learner's licence in South Africa
You can finally start to taste that freedom you’ve been longing for since entering your teen years – getting your learner’s licence!
If only it was as simple as getting into the driver’s seat on your 18th birthday and driving off into the sunset.
Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as it all seems in the movies. You first need a learner’s license before you get into the driver’s seat. But as with all things, it’s about taking it step-by-step.
Getting your learner’s licence isn’t that difficult. It mainly requires dedication to study times and the ability to remember tons of road rules.
The test is multiple-choice, which can also make things a little less of a hurdle.
So, let me tell you what you need to know.
Learner's Licence
The way it works in South Africa, and pretty much everywhere else in the world, is you get your learner’s licence at least a year before you are able to get your driver’s licence. So here I’ll give you the low down of what steps you need to take to be a legal learner driver on the road.
The learner’s licence exam tests your theoretical knowledge on how to drive and obey the rules of the road. Some of the theoretical knowledge includes road sign knowledge, road rules and vehicle controls (where the accelerator is and how to start a car). You can write your learner’s licence test once you’ve turned 17.
Booking & Writing your Learner's
Just before or once you’ve turned 17, you can go to the traffic department to book a date on which to write your learner’s licence test.
For the booking, make sure you take the following along:
- ID book
- two black and white ID photos
- the amount you need to book the test (price varies according to location)
We’ve compiled the Complete List of Driver’s Licence Testing Centres in South Africa for you to find your nearest DLTC.
Once you’ve made a booking, keep the booking receipt in a safe place!
Information is subject to change. Visit the South African Government website for more details about the test, and get the latest contact numbers for your nearest departments.
The Procedure
Fill in LL1 form
You will need to fill in the LL1 form to book your learner’s licence test at the traffic department. Most of us just want to be able to drive a normal car, this is the Code B licence.
Other codes you might be interested in are:
- motorcycle without a sidecar with an engine not exceeding 125cc (Code A1),
- motorcycle without a sidecar with an engine exceeding 125cc (Code A),
- a heavy vehicle like a big bakkie or a taxi (Code C).
Eye Test
After booking, you need to go queue to do the eye test. This test is compulsory. If you wear glasses, take them with you, or take a note from your optometrist if necessary.
Study the K53 book
Study the road rules. The K53 book is available in most stores. Some driving schools also offer classes for the learner’s licence.
Online mock tests
There are some awesome websites that have online tests you can practice with. I would not suggest relying solely on these. Study the handbook first and then use the mock test as an indicator of your knowledge.
Check out the website K53 (they charge around R59 for the Manuals but free tests are available) and Get Your Learners.
Write the test
On the day of your test you must take your ID and the booking receipt. If you pass the test, you must pay an issue fee. Ask them what that will be when you book your test. The issuing fee will depend on what code license you selected and your municipality.
Once you’ve passed your learners, you are free to roam the roads.
Almost had you there, didn’t I?!
The thing is, you can roam, but you need someone with a valid driver’s licence in the passenger seat at all times. The passenger can be any age as long as he/she has a valid driver’s license.
Try to find someone patient and responsible who can teach you how to drive (and perhaps that person should have a decent amount of courage too!).
We have listed a few driving schools in South Africa in the next article- Part 2: Getting your driver’s licence.
Your learner’s license will be valid for 2 years, so be sure to get your driver’s within those 2 years otherwise you will have to go through the above process all over again. It’s not worth the PT and believe me, you really do want to get your driver’s license as soon as physically possible.
FundiConnect 2cents
The process involved in getting your learner’s license really is not too complex. Just remember to be safe and follow the rules of the road. Read Part 2 on How to get your Driver’s Licence to find out the procedures involved and the different driving schools.
Also, take a look at the Types of Driver’s Licences in South Africa to find out which licence you would like to apply for.
Good luck!
