The learner's licence test
Learner's licence application requirements
Writing the test
What you must know
Road signs and markings

Learner's licence application requirements

What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a learner's licence?

• Motorcycles 125 cc or less (without a sidecar): 16 years of age
• Light motor vehicles not more than 3 500 kg: 17 years of age
• All other vehicles (including motorcycles over 125 cc): 18 years of age

What can disqualify me from obtaining a learner's licence?

• If you have previously been disqualified by a court of law from driving a motor vehicle, and this disqualification is still valid.
• If you already hold a valid licence to drive the same class of vehicle.
• If your licence to drive has been suspended or cancelled and the suspension/cancellation period has not yet expired.
• If you are suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities:
  • uncontrolled epilepsy;
    
  • sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or any other cause;
    
  • any form of mental illness to such an extent that it is necessary that you be detained, supervised, controlled and treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973);
    
  • any condition causing muscular incoordination;
    
  • uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
    
  • defective vision, determined by a prescribed standard; or
    
  • any other disease or physical defect which is likely to render you incapable of driving effectively and controlling a motor vehicle without endangering the safety of the public (deafness is not regarded as such a defect).
    
• If you are addicted to the use of any drug having a narcotic effect, or to the excessive use of intoxicating liquor.
  
  

What will I need when I apply for my learner's licence?
You must:

• meet the minimum age requirements set out above;
  
• meet the health requirements already explained;
  
• pass the eyesight test that is conducted at the testing centre;
  
• have acceptable identification with you when you apply (SA identity document or a passport); and
  
• have with you two recent passport-size identity photographs (black and white, or colour).

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