South African driver's licence renewal guide

The time has come for you to renew your driver's licence. You're probably already dreading dealing with the admin, the queues snaking out the door, and the looks of exasperation on the faces of disgruntled government employees. Our quick driver’s licence renewal guide will help you get it done in no time.

Know your dates

Your driver's licence must be renewed at least four weeks before it expires. If you've left it late and your licence has already expired or is close to expiring, you'll need to apply for a temporary driving licence as well, which is an added expense. (Luckily your temporary driver's licence will be issued on the spot.)

Book your appointment

Find your nearest or most convienient driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to make an appointment at least 4 weeks in advance. You can book your appointment in person, by phone or if you reside in Gauteng, you can book online using the National Traffic Information System online booking service . If you're calling, try to phone early in the morning or mid-week when lines are less busy.

1. Take your ID (or valid passport), your old licence card, four black-and-white ID photos, and proof of residential address.

2. Complete the DL1 form (application for renewal) and the NCP form if any of your details have changed.

3. Have your eye test and fingerprints taken at the DLTC, or bring a report from your own optometrist.

4. Pay the fee (this varies by municipality, so confirm with your local office beforehand).

5. Collect your new card in four to six weeks. If your old licence has already expired, you'll need a temporary to keep driving legally in the meantime.

Know the requirements

Here is a list of all the requirements for the driver's licence renewal process in South Africa:

• Eye test: This can be done at a DLTC or you can have your eyes tested at your nearest optometrist and submit the report with your licence-renewal application . The eye test is included in the overall licence-renewal price, but the optometrist may charge you a separate fee if you go that route.

• Fingerprints: Your fingerprints will be taken at the DLTC and cannot be done beforehand. The fingerprinting is also included in the overall cost of the licence renewal.

• Identity Document: In order to confirm your identity, you will need: your original identity document (ID), your old driver's licence or a valid South African passport. Plus, a certified copy of whichever of these documents you bring. Consider getting your documents certified at your nearest police station. Come with the original document and a photocopy to have the copy certified. This is a free service.

• ID photos: Most DLTCs in South Africa will take the photographs at the centre itself so you don't need to bring your own photos. It's a good idea to get four black-and-white ID photos taken beforehand, in case there's a problem with the system. The photos taken by the testing centre are included in the licence-renewal fee, but taking photos elsewhere will incur a separate charge.

• Proof of address: A utility bill is usually the easiest proof of address. If the bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill will need to write and sign an affidavit confirming that you live at the address. Take the affidavit and the bill with you. If you live in an informal settlement, bring a letter with an official date stamp from your local ward councillor confirming your residential address.

Consider drawing cash

How much does it cost to renew a driver’s licence? It depends on the local licensing office you use, as municipalities charge their own rates. The expected driver’s licence renewal cost is around R250, but it's best to contact the renewal office to confirm. Most offices will accept cash or card payments, but cash is king in case the card system is temporarily (or indefinitely) offline.

Be prepared to wait

Your driver's licence renewal can take anywhere between four and six weeks, depending on system interruptions and efficiency. There's an option to get notified via SMS once your driver's licence is ready for collection, which you opt into during the process. When collecting your new driver's licence card, you simply need to take your proof of payment (original receipt) and your ID along with you.

Some questions people also ask

How do I apply for a temporary driving licence?

1. Go to any DLTC once you've already applied for a renewal or a replacement, since a temporary licence isn't a standalone application.

2. Bring a certified copy of your ID, proof of postal and residential address and four black-and-white photos.

3. Complete the DL1 form and, if needed, the NCP form.

4. Pay the prescribed fee. Your temporary licence is issued the same day and stays valid for six months.

How do I replace a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence?

1. Visit your nearest DLTC with your ID or valid passport, proof of address, and four black-and-white photos.

2. Complete the DL1 form and the NCP form.

3. Have your eye test done at the centre, or bring a report from your optometrist. No driving test is required.

4. Pay the fee and collect your card in four to six weeks. You can apply for a temporary licence on the same visit to keep driving while you wait.

How do I convert a foreign driving licence to a South African one?

1. Note the deadline: if you hold South African permanent residence, you must convert your foreign licence within a year of getting your permanent residence permit, or it becomes invalid.

2. Go to the DLTC in the province where you were granted residence.

3. Complete the DL1 (application for exchange) and NCP forms.

4. Bring your ID or passport with permanent residence permit, four black-and-white photos, your current foreign licence, proof of permanent residency, and confirmation from the original issuing authority that your licence is valid and not suspended.

5. If your licence isn't in an official South African language, include a certified translation.

6. Undergo an eye test (no driving test needed) and hand in your foreign licence once your South African one is issued. Processing time varies by testing centre.

How do I apply for a driving licence for the first time?

1. Get your learner's licence first. You can't apply for a full driving licence without one.

2. Book a test date at your nearest DLTC (Gauteng residents can book online) and bring your learner's licence, ID, four black-and-white photos, proof of address, and the booking fee.

3. Complete the DL1 form and keep your receipt as proof of your test date.

4. Arrive on time for your practical test with a qualified examiner.

5. If you pass, you'll do fingerprinting and an eye test on the spot, then pay the issuing fee for a temporary licence to use while your card is produced.

6. Collect your permanent card within four to six weeks.

How do I apply for a learner's licence?

1. Choose the correct code for your vehicle type: Code 1 for motorcycles, Code 2 for vehicles under 3,500 kg, or Code 3 for heavier vehicles, each with its own minimum age.

2. Book a test date at your DLTC and bring your ID, two black-and-white photos, proof of address, and the booking fee.

3. Complete the LL1 form (plus a medical certificate if you're 65 or older).

4. Study the official road rules and signs before your test date, since the test covers this directly.

5. Sit your eye test and written test, then pay the issue fee if you pass. Your learner's licence is issued the same day and is valid for 24 months.

How do I apply for a professional driving permit (PrDP)?

1. Confirm you need one: PrDPs apply if you drive goods vehicles, taxis, buses, minibuses carrying 12 or more people, or dangerous goods for an income.

2. Check the age requirement for your category: 18 for goods vehicles, 21 for passenger vehicles, and 25 for dangerous goods vehicles.

3. Go to your DLTC with your ID or passport, your existing driving licence, four black-and-white photos, a medical certificate no older than two months, and a training certificate if applicable.

4. Complete the PD1 and NCP forms, then pay the application fee via EFT to the designated account.

5. Undergo an eye test and a background check through your local police station for any relevant convictions.

6. Collect your permit once notified. It can take up to 12 weeks, and uncollected cards are destroyed after 120 days, so keep an eye on your DLTC's notifications.

Driving without a licence is a massive gamble

Remember, driving around on an expired licence is a huge risk. With roadblocks at what feels like every turn, you are risking a fine. Not only that, should you be in an accident in which you are at fault, your Car Insurance holder, whilst unlikely, may refuse to cover your claim, which may be a hefty one especially if you have to pay damages to the other party's car or property.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical or insurance advice. Hippo is a comparison site helping you evaluate quotes from trusted South African insurers. Always review policy details before making changes. Quotes are risk profile dependent and subject to annual review. No fees are charged for using Hippo’s comparison service. HAS (Pty) Ltd and HCS (Pty) Ltd are authorised FSPs. Terms and conditions apply.