Getting your driver’s license is an important milestone, and collecting it from the NaTIS (National Traffic Information System) is the final step in that journey. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating your new license or helping someone else collect theirs, understanding the collection process is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about collecting your driver’s license in South Africa.
How to Know When Your Driver’s License Is Ready for Collection
After successfully passing your driving test, you’ll be issued a temporary driving license while your official credit card-format driving license is being processed. The driving license testing center will notify you via post when your license is ready for collection. Typically, this notification will arrive a few weeks after your test, so keep an eye on your mail for any updates.
What to Bring When Collecting Your Driver’s License
When you go to collect your driver’s license, make sure to bring the following items:
- Your ID Document: This is crucial, as it verifies your identity when collecting your license.
- Notification Letter: While not always mandatory, it can help speed up the process.
Failure to produce your ID may result in delays or even being unable to collect your license.
Can Someone Else Collect Your Driver’s License?
If you are unable to collect your driver’s license in person, you have the option to send someone else to collect it on your behalf. To do this, the designated person must provide the following:
- A Certified Copy of Their ID: This serves as proof of identity for the person collecting the license.
- A Written Authorization: It’s a good idea to provide a note authorizing them to collect your license.
Make sure the person you designate is trustworthy, as they will be handling important documents.
Fees for Collecting Your Driver’s License
In South Africa, various fees are associated with obtaining and collecting your driver’s license. Here’s a breakdown of the fees based on province:
| Province | Booking Fee | Issue Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Mpumalanga | R120 | R35 |
| Northern Cape | R85 | R50 |
| North West | R95 | R55 |
| Western Cape | R95 | R55 |
Make sure to have the necessary funds ready, as these fees may need to be settled during the collection process.
Important Notes
- Licenses Not Collected Within 120 Days: If you fail to collect your driver’s license within 120 days of notification, it will be destroyed. This means you will have to go through the entire application process again, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
- Stay Updated: Always keep your contact information updated with the driving license testing center to ensure you receive your notification in a timely manner.
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.