Can I learn to drive without getting a Learners Licence first?
No. It is forbidden to drive on public roads in South Africa without a valid licence. You must first apply for – and receive – your Learners Licence. Then you will be permitted to drive only when accompanied by someone who holds a valid Driver’s Licence for that kind of vehicle.
In order to apply for a Driver’s Licence, you will need to present your Learners Licence.
I am disabled. Can I still obtain a Learners Licence?
As long as you do not suffer from any illness, disease, or disability that would cause you to be a danger to yourself or others on the road if you were driving (eg: severe mental illness; blindness or severely compromised vision; epilepsy that is not controlled by medication; frequent dizzy spells; any lack of muscular co-ordination; Diabetes Mellitus; or if you are addicted to mind-altering substances).
If you require physical aids (including glasses or contact lenses), or need a vehicle adapted specifically for your physical requirements in order to drive safely, your requirements will be noted on your Learners Licence, and later on your driver’s licence. If you are deaf or have hearing problems, this will NOT prevent you from obtaining your Learners Licence/driver’s licence.
If you are 65 years or older, you will have to complete a Medical Certificate (MC) form along with the LL1 application form, available from the DLTC or online at http://www.enatis.com/
For how long is the Learners Licence valid? Can it be extended? 
A Learners Licence is valid for 24 months from the date it is issued. It cannot be extended; if it expires, you will have to go through the whole process again to receive a new one.
How long do I have to wait to receive my Learners Licence?
Once you have passed your eye test and your theory test, your Learners Licence will be issued on the same day.
What are the requirements for the photographs for the Learners Licence?
While most passport photograph companies are familiar with the requirements, it is best to check for yourself that your photographs are clear and the right size, showing your head and shoulders only, and clearly presenting your full face without any kind of headgear. If you do wear headgear for medical or religious reasons, you are permitted to wear it for your photograph for your Learners Licence, as long as your face is clearly visible. However, the examiner may request that your photographs are approved by a designated official of the Director-General of the Provincial Administration if he/she feels that they do not show you clearly enough for the learners licence card.
How much does it cost to get my Learners Licence?
When you visit your local DLTC to book your test for your Learners Licence, you will need to pay a booking fee. Make sure to put the receipt in a safe place! You will need to bring it with you when you return to take the test.
Once you pass the test, you will need to pay another fee for the Learners Licence itself. The cost of the booking fee and issue fee are not standardized, and they can vary greatly from one province to the next. From what we have gathered the Booking Fee varies from R85 – R165, and the Issue Fee for the actual Learners Licence varies from R35-R70.
Read more about getting your Learners Licence.
