Learner's licence booking online in 2024: Step-by-step guide with infographic

A learner's licence is a provisional licence certifying that you have basic motor vehicle knowledge. In South Africa, the licence is issued by the National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) through its eNaTIS system or by Driving Licensing Testing Centres (DLTCs) spread across the country. How do you make a learner's licence booking, and what documents are required?

A South African learner's licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended. The type of licence issued varies depending on the vehicle class for which one has been certified. All South Africans should familiarise themselves with the learner's licence booking process.

Learner's licence booking in SA: all you should know

Here is everything you need to know about booking for a learner's licence online in 2024.

Requirements for learner's licence booking online

All applicants are required to have specific documents to confirm their identities and qualifications. Here is a list of documents needed to book a learner's test online.

• Your original ID and two photocopies
• Two ID-sized black and white or colour photographs measuring 35mm by 45mm.
• Proof of payment of booking fee.
• Proof of residence, usually done using a utility bill. If you do not have one, the house owner must swear an affidavit declaring that you stay at the mentioned address.
• Informal settlers should provide a residence letter with an official stamp from the ward councillor.

How do you book a learner's test in SA?

The learner's licence online booking process in Gauteng and Eastern Cape provinces is quite easy because it can be done via the eNaTIS portal. Residents from the rest of the provinces must visit their nearest driving licensing testing centre (DLTC) because their provinces have not yet migrated their systems to eNaTIS.

If you have been wondering how to apply for a learner's licence online, here is a look at how to book the test.

• To begin the application for a learner's licence, visit the NaTIS website.
• Click on online services to access the eNaTIS portal. Enter your NaTIS online login details to access your account.
• Below the tab labelled 'Book now for Learner's Licence Test,' click on the 'Book Now' tab.
• The system will ask you to choose your province.
• If you come from Gauteng or Eastern Cape, the portal will redirect you to a page with an LL1 form. Residents of other provinces can obtain the form from their nearest DLTC offices.
• Once you fill out the form, the system will ask you to upload proof of payment of the booking fee.
• Once you have confirmed payment, you will be issued with an acknowledgement receipt as proof of your booking. This must be submitted on the day of the test.
• The receipt will also have an auto-generated appointment date.
• Keep in mind that you can only complete the online driving test booking process after confirming your availability by accepting the slot allocated to you within 24 hours of being notified. If not, the NaTIS system will queue you up for other available dates for learner's licence booking.

How to make the NaTIS online learner's licence booking if you cannot read or write

If you cannot read or write, your learner's licence booking process is slightly different. You will have to apply for an Oral Learner's Licence test where all questions and answers will issued orally. Here is a look at the process.

• Obtain an affidavit from the South African Police Service (SAPS) that states your reasons for taking an oral test. Acceptable reasons include having a learning disability or dyslexia.
• Visit the nearest DLTC with the affidavit from SAPS, an identification document, proof of disability from a learning institution or health practitioner, and two recently taken and identical photos (per application).
• The provincial supervisor will contact you with further instructions on how to proceed with the learner's licence booking. It is worth noting that the process varies slightly from one jurisdiction to another.

Learner's licence cost in SA

You will have to pay a learner's licence test booking fee before doing the test. You are advised to contact your local licensing office or the traffic department near you for the cost.

If you pass the test, you must pay the issue fee. Note that the learner's licence is issued on the same day if you pass and pay the relevant fee.

What are the different types of learner's licences?

Here is a look at the types of learner's licences in South Africa.

Code 1 (Age 16 and above)

This one is issued for a motor tricycle, quadricycle, or motorcycle with or without a sidecar. The engine capacity of the motor tricycle, quadricycle, or motorcycle should not exceed 125cc. Applicants must be at least sixteen years old while undertaking the test.

Code 2 (Age 17 and above)

This one is issued to motorists operating motor vehicles whose gross weight does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. The licence holder must be at least 17 years old.

Code 3 (Age 18 and above)

A Code 3 licence is issued to qualified motorists driving vehicles whose gross weight exceeds 3,500 kilograms. The licence holder must be at least 18 years old. Those looking to apply for a code C, C1, EC1, or EC permit in future are advised to get a code 3 learner's licence.

Can you cancel your learner's test appointment date?

Yes, you can cancel your appointment. You will get a refund if you cancel your booking on eNaTIS. Remember to cancel the appointment date with the testing centre where you were to write your test to prevent a backlog.

Note that you can only cancel the test appointment date if you meet one of the conditions outlined below.

• Attending a funeral (provide a death certificate)
• Sick (provide a medical certificate)
• Writing exams (provide a timetable)

How to get a driver's licence in South Africa as a foreigner

You can use your valid foreign driver’s licence in South Africa. However, there are some conditions attached to this.

• English licence holders are good to go and can legally drive in South Africa.
• Non-English licence holders must have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to avoid complications with local authorities. Foreigners can obtain an IDP in their home country or SA.

Online driver's licence renewal in SA

All drivers in SA must renew their driving licence card four weeks before the indicated expiry date. If you renew it after the expiry date, you will have to apply for a temporary driving licence at an additional cost as you await your driving licence to be issued.

You will not take a driving test when you renew your driving licence. However, you will undergo eye testing and your fingerprints will be taken, so the process is not fully online. Follow the steps below to renew your licence.

• Visit the nearest DLTC with a copy of your ID/ passport, old driving licence, four black-and-white ID photographs, proof of residential address, and the prescribed application fee. The relevant officials will take your fingerprints and conduct an eye check-up.
• Next is the online vehicle licence renewal process, so visit the NATIS website on an internet-enabled device.
• Complete the driver's licence renewal form, i.e., form DL1: Application for renewal of driving licence card.
• Complete the notification of change of address or particulars of person or organisation form.
• Do an eye test. You can do it at an optometrist of your choice and take your results to the DLTC.

Drivers licence status check in SA

To check your status via SMS, SMS your ID number to 33214. You will receive a response indicating if your licence is ready for collection or not.

It takes four to six weeks for a licence to be ready for collection from the licensing centre. You will receive an SMS when it is ready for collection.

NaTIS' contact details

Here are the different ways one can contact NaTIS.

• Location: 253 Howick Close, Waterfall Office Park, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa
• Postal address: Private Bag X147, Pretoria, 0001
• Telephone: 0861 400 800
• Email: onlinesupport@rtmc.co.za or ntcc@rtmc.co.za

Can you drive with a learner's licence in South Africa?

Yes, you can. However, it is recommended for such a driving permit holder to drive under the supervision of a more experienced and fully licenced driver.

How long does it take to get a learner's licence in South Africa?

If you have passed the licence test, the permit will be issued the same day you pay the issuance fee.

When can you get your learner's licence in South Africa?

You will get your learner's licence in SA the same day you pay the issuance fee, as long as you have passed the licence test.

How do you book your driver's licence test in South Africa?

Check the procedure for booking your drivers licence test in South Africa from the section above. You will require an eye test to renew it.

Making a learner's licence booking in South Africa is quite easy, especially for residents of Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. This guide has everything you need to know about the process, essence, requirements, and timelines involved in licence booking.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Source: Briefly News