Need a PDP? Here’s what you must know about requirements and application process
A PDP (Professional Driving Permit) is required for certain drivers in South Africa, particularly those transporting passengers, goods or dangerous substances. Applying for a PDP involves meeting specific eligibility requirements and completing the required application steps. Understanding the process can help you avoid delays and rejected applications.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- What is PDP?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a PDP licence in South Africa?
- How much is a PDP licence in South Africa?
- Can a foreigner get a South African driver's licence?
- How can I convert my foreign driver's licence to South Africa?
- How long is a PDP licence valid?
- What's the difference between PDP and PrDP?
- How do you check if your PDP is ready for collection?
Key takeaways
- A Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is required for drivers operating certain passenger, goods and dangerous-goods vehicles in South Africa.
- Applicants must meet specific age, driving licence and medical requirements depending on the type of PDP they need.
- Applicants generally need a valid ID, driving licence, photographs, completed forms, proof of address and other supporting documents.
- PDP applications are handled through a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), with some services available through NaTIS online bookings.
What is PDP?
PDP stands for Professional Driving Permit. It is a licence issued to commercial drivers who operate buses, taxis, and trucks. The PDP licence ensures that the driver is qualified and capable of safely transporting passengers or any form of goods.
Source: UGC
PDP requirements, application, fees, forms and renewal
Applying for a PDP involves meeting specific requirements, completing the correct forms and paying the applicable fees. The process also includes understanding renewal rules and ensuring your permit remains valid, so knowing what to prepare beforehand can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
PDP car categories
If you plan on driving any commercial vehicles, PDPs cover the following car categories:
- According to the South African government, a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) applies to these vehicle categories:
- Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3,500 kg
- Breakdown vehicles and buses
- Minibuses weighing more than 3,500 kg or designed to carry 12 or more people, including the driver
- Light motor vehicles used to transport passengers for payment, such as taxis
- Vehicles designed to carry 12 or more people
- Vehicles requiring an operating licence
- Dangerous goods vehicles, such as fuel tankers
What are the exceptions to having the PDP licence?
There are exceptions to having the PDP licence. The exemption is only given to drivers of specific categories, such as:
- Special vehicles for road building and agricultural machinery
- Hearses
- Fire-fighting vehicles
- Tractors
- A learner driver is assisted by the holder of a valid PDP and a traffic officer or vehicle examiner doing their work.
Source: Getty Images
PDP licence requirements
To get your PDP South Africa or temporary PDP licence, you need to meet the following PDP requirements:
- Have a valid driving licence for the type of vehicle in question.
- Have been certified by an approved training body (only required for category D (dangerous goods) vehicles).
- Have never had your driving licence suspended.
- Have never been convicted of a criminal offence or have been lawfully required to pay an admission-of-guilt fine.
- Do not have a criminal record for (in the past five years), including driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Driving a motor vehicle while the concentration of alcohol in your blood or breath exceeded a statutory limitation and, in the case of an application for a category P and D permit, an offence of which violence was an element.
- Have been certified by a medical physician to be medically fit.
If you become medically unfit or have any convictions under your name, you may face cancellation or suspension of your PDP.
Age limits for PDP application
As required by all licences, one must have reached the legal age permissible for the document to be issued. The age limits for one to acquire the PDP licence are as follows:
- 18 years of age or older to hold a PDP for a goods vehicle
- 21 years of age or older to hold a PDP for a passenger vehicle
- 25 years of age or older to hold a PDP for a dangerous goods vehicle
How to get a PDP in South Africa?
Now that you are aware of the PDP requirements and categories, the next step is to start your application for the permit. Before beginning the steps to acquire the PDP certification, you will need to ensure you have the following:
- Your National Identification card
- Passport-sized photographs
- A valid driver's licence
- Police clearance certificate and criminal record
- A PDP PDF for a medical form or certificate that must be less than two months old
The next step involves presenting yourself to the nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), where you will complete the PDP form. It will most likely be titled "Application for professional driving permit" form (PD1).
Source: Getty Images
What documents do you need for a PDP?
When applying for a Professional Driving Permit (PDP/PrDP) in South Africa, you generally need the following documents:
- A valid ID, South African passport or driving licence card.
- Four identical colourless/passport-sized photographs — confirm the required number with your DLTC before taking them.
- Valid driving licence for the vehicle code you are applying for.
- Completed PD1 application form and NCP form.
- Medical certificate, where required, showing that you are medically fit to drive.
- Training certificate, if required, particularly for certain dangerous-goods applications.
- Existing professional or public driving permit, if you already hold one.
- Proof of postal and residential address, such as a municipal account. If the document is not in your name, an affidavit may be required.
- Police clearance/criminal-record information, which forms part of the application and fingerprint verification process.
Application fees
- Pay the stipulated fee. The application fees are deposited in the account below before the application is processed. The bank details are as follows:
- Account name: Ideco AFI Switch (Pty) Ltd
- Bank: ABSA
- Branch: Business Banking Johannesburg North
- Account type: Cheque
- Account number: 4074078548
- Branch code: 630256
- Reference: Fill in the applicant's ID number
9. Make sure to complete the notification of change of address or particulars of person or organisation (NCP) form. Additionally, an eye test will be carried out at the testing centre. Alternatively, you can have your eyes tested by an optician and submit your medical documents with your application.
10. After the completion of payment, you will be sent to the nearest police station to acquire a conviction report. The DLTC has a live capturing unit (LCU). There will be no need to go physically, since the data will be sent electronically to the station.
NB: There is no PDP online application except for Gauteng residents. You will be informed once the PDP card is ready to be collected. Make sure you carry your ID with you when going to collect your permit. Note that after 120 days, uncollected cards will be destroyed.
NaTIS online booking PDP
The NaTIS online booking PDP process allows eligible applicants to schedule services related to their Professional Driving Permit without visiting a licensing centre just to make a booking. Applicants can use PDP online bookings and online application services to start the process, although certain steps, such as identity verification and medical requirements, may still need to be completed in person.
Can you apply for PDP online?
Yes. For residents in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, PDP online applications can be made via the National Traffic and Information System website. Applicants can follow the procedures on the website to finish the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a PDP licence in South Africa?
As long as you submit the needed PDP requirements, permits will be available after a maximum of 12 weeks after a successful application.
How much is a PDP licence in South Africa?
Different licensing offices have varied stipulated PDP licence renewal costs. It is advised that you contact your local DLTC for the actual figures and fee amounts needed.
Can a foreigner get a South African driver's licence?
Yes, a foreigner can get a South African driver's licence either by converting a valid foreign licence (if they hold permanent residency or a diplomatic permit) or by applying from scratch through the local testing system.
How can I convert my foreign driver's licence to South Africa?
To convert a foreign driver's licence to a South African one, you must hold permanent residency or a diplomatic permit, apply in person at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), complete form DL1, pass an eye test, and submit a validity letter from your embassy.
How long is a PDP licence valid?
The PDP is valid for two years (24 months). The expiration date is indicated on the front of the card. After expiration, the PDP renewal process is the same as the first application.
What's the difference between PDP and PrDP?
The Public Driving Permit (PDP) was replaced by the Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). The PrDP's goal was to broaden the pool of drivers who had to be medically fit and have a clean driving record.
How do you check if your PDP is ready for collection?
You can check if your PDP is ready by texting your ID number to 33214. You can also check through the following process:
- Visit the NaTIS website.
- Click Query Driving Licence Card.
- Fill out your ID type, ID Number, Surname, and Initials.
- Click Next.
- Fill out the remaining details to see your driver's licence status.
It is important to know the PDP requirements in South Africa if you intend to work as a professional driver or operate a vehicle that transports goods and passengers. This is because driving without a PDP when required can result in legal consequences and fines.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended 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 of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.
Briefly.co.za recently published an article on how PayShap works in South Africa. The PayShap service, which offers flexibility and lower rates for real-time payments, is a significant boost to the implementation of less cash-dependent financial transactions.
BankservAfrica, SARB, and the country's big four banks launched PayShap South Africa on March 13, 2023. The transition to cashless and instant financial transactions is a global trend that governments around the world are embracing.
Source: Briefly News
Lynn Kandie Lynn Kandie is a reporter with 5 years of experience in writing. Before joining the team in 2018, Lynn wrote for Kenyan media platforms and several other websites. She graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2019 with honours after pursuing a BSc. in Meteorology. She is currently studying for a Master's degree in the same field. Lynn specialises in writing celebrity biographies, listicles and teasers for popular TV shows.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
