A learner’s license is a legal permit that demonstrates your basic knowledge of vehicle operation and the rules of the road. It is crucial to remember that with a learner’s license, you can only drive when accompanied by a licensed driver. This license is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended, so it’s important to make the most of it during that period.
Categories of Learner’s Licenses
In South Africa, different categories of learner’s licenses are available, depending on the type of vehicle you wish to operate:
- Code 1: For motorcycles (with or without a sidecar, tricycle, or quadricycle). You must be 16 years or older for motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc, and 18 years or older for those exceeding 125 cc.
- Code 2: For motor vehicles, including minibuses, buses, or goods vehicles, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3,500 kg. You must be 17 years or older to apply.
- Code 3: For motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3,500 kg. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
How to Make a Learner’s Booking
Step 1: Visit Your Nearest Driving Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC)
To book your learner’s license test, go to your nearest DLTC. It’s advisable to call ahead and confirm the requirements. Here’s what you need to bring along:
- Identity Document (ID): This is essential for verification.
- Two Identical Black-and-White ID Photographs: Check with the DLTC beforehand regarding the number of photos needed.
- Booking Fee: Payment varies by province (see cost section below).
- Proof of Postal and Residential Address: This can be a utility bill in your name or an affidavit if the bill is not in your name. If you live in an informal settlement, a letter with an official date stamp from your ward councillor is required.
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
- Application for Learner’s Licence Form (LL1): Available at the DLTC or online.
- If you’re 65 years or older, complete the Medical Certificate Form (MC).
Step 3: Eye Test
You can either undergo an eye test at the testing centre or have one done by a qualified optometrist. Ensure to submit the test form at the testing centre.
Step 4: Study for the Test
Before your test day, study essential topics such as road signs, motor vehicle controls, and road rules. Familiarity with these topics will increase your chances of passing.
Step 5: Submit on Test Day
On the day of the test, remember to bring:
- Your booking receipt.
- Your ID.
If you pass, you will need to pay the issue fee to receive your learner’s license, which is issued the same day.
How Long Does It Take?
Once you’ve passed your learner’s license test and paid the relevant fees, your learner’s license is issued on the same day. However, booking an appointment at the traffic department can take up to three months. If you’re looking for quicker results, consider exploring available learner’s packages that can secure your learner’s license within two weeks.
Costs Associated with Learner’s License Booking
Booking and issue fees vary by province:
| Province | Booking Fee | Issue Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | R162 | R51 |
| Free State | R95 | R65 |
| Gauteng | R95 | R55 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R115 | R55 |
| Limpopo | R135 | R55 |
| Mpumalanga | R120 | R35 |
| Northern Cape | R85 | R50 |
| North West | R95 | R55 |
| Western Cape | R95 | R55 |
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.