New licences
Application procedure
To apply for a learner’s driving licence (vehicle and motorcycle), you need to make an appointment in person. Bring your ID document, two identity size black and white photographs and a R68 application fee. You will need to pay an additional R33 to have the licence issued when you pass the test.
To apply for a driving licence, please bring a valid ID document and your learner’s driving licence with you. You also need three identity size black and white photographs, appointment fee (R135 for light motor vehicle or motorcycle; R200 for heavy motor vehicle) and R110 to issue the licence (on passing the test).
Please note:
- Appointment dates are allocated by the City’s electronic booking system on the first available date
- All applicants may either accept or decline the date allocated
- Once accepted, appointments may not be cancelled except in the event of:
- Sickness (in which case you will need to produce a medical certificate)
- Attendance at a funeral (in which case you will need to produce a death certificate)
- Examinations (in which case you will need to produce a copy of the timetable)
- A vehicle breakdown (in which case you will need to produce proof thereof)
Every month 1 500 learner drivers fail to keep their driving licence test appointments, which contributes significantly to the appointment backlog. Statistics from June to August 2009 show a shocking level of irresponsibility.
In June, although 7 250 bookings were made for driving licence tests, 1 584 applicants failed to keep their appointments. In July, 6 294 appointments were made and 1 684 learners did not turn up, while in August, 7 019 bookings were made and 1 840 applicants failed to arrive. People who do not keep driving licence test appointments clog the system and contribute significantly to the long waiting period.
The City appeals to all applicants to honour appointments made or to inform the DLTCs timeously of their non-availability to do the tests. If every learner driver is ethical enough to meet the commitment made or courteous enough to make alternative arrangements in good time, there won't be an appointment backlog.
Applicants who miss a test date or time forfeit all fees and are required to re-submit a new application.
Failure to bring the relevant documents will result in forfeiture of the appointment and application fees.
Complaints about service delivery, appeals against failing a driving test or difficulties with booking appointments must be directed to the
Management Representative at the DLTC. This person is also responsible for dealing with the conversion of foreign licences.
|
Pass rate |
Failure rate |
| Learners’ driving licence tests |
60 % |
40 % |
| Driving licence tests |
40 % |
60 % |
Main reasons for failing a test
- Inadequate preparation
- Lack of or no training
- Lack of confidence
- Inconsistencies
- Training standards
Renewal of driving licences
When am I obligated to renew my driving licence?
Driving licence cards are valid for five years. Professional Driving Licences (PRDP) are valid for two years.
My driving licence has expired. How do I get a new one?
If your card has expired, you can apply for a temporary driving licence. This is valid for six months from the date of expiry of your expired card.
It is advisable to apply for a renewal before your current card expires. This validates it for a further three months from the date of expiry (provided you carry the card and receipt as proof that you have paid for a renewal).
How much does it cost to renew my driving licence?
The renewal costs R140, and the temporary driving licence costs R45.
How long does it take to process my renewed licence?
The waiting period is 6 - 8 weeks from the date of application. Once ready, you will be posted a collection notice.
Where do I apply for a licence renewal and what are the requirements?
Driving licence card renewals must be made in person at any of the City's Driving Licence Testing Centres. You will need to complete an application form (called a DL1 form, which is obtainable here and at the centres) and bring your ID book, three ID size photos (preferably black and white) and your current driving licence card. If your card has expired, you will need to submit another four ID photos.
How do I get my renewed licence?
You will need to collect your renewed licence in person from the same office that you applied from. This is to eliminate the likelihood of fraud. Please bring your ID book and your old driving licence card or temporary driving licence (if issued) with you.
If you are unable to collect the card yourself, you will need to send an affidavit (giving permission for another person to collect it) with the person who is going to collect it on your behalf. This person should also bring your driving licence card, your ID book (or certified copy thereof) and his or her own ID book.
My driving licence has been lost/stolen. How do I get a new one?
Bring an affidavit stating that your licence has been lost or stolen, four black and white ID size photos and your ID book with you to apply for a new licence. The affidavit must be stamped by the police (SAPS). If your ID book has been lost or stolen, a temporary ID certificate is required.
I have to collect a licence on behalf of someone else. What do I need?
Bring an affidavit, a certified copy of the ID of the person collecting the card and a certified copy of the ID of the person whose card must be collected. The applicant will also need four photos to make an appointment.
More queries?
If you have any more queries about your driving licence, please e-mail Jacqueline Cruywagen at jacqueline.cruywagen@capetown.gov.za, or phone her on 021 406 8743.