How to Get a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in South Africa

If you plan to drive professionally in South Africa—whether transporting goods, dangerous materials, or passengers—you must obtain a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). This permit is mandatory for certain types of vehicles and jobs, like taxi drivers, truck drivers, and fuel transporters.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a PrDP.

What Is a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)?

A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is an additional permit required for drivers operating certain vehicle types in South Africa. It’s issued alongside a regular driving licence and is necessary for vehicles that transport passengers or goods for commercial purposes. Some examples of vehicles that require a PrDP include:

Goods vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg (like large trucks)
Breakdown vehicles and buses
Minibuses designed to carry 12 or more people
Dangerous goods vehicles (e.g., fuel tankers)
Taxis and other passenger vehicles used for reward

Related: To learn more about the different types of licenses required in South Africa, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Types of Licenses in South Africa.

Who Needs a PrDP?

A PrDP is required for drivers operating specific vehicles, including:

Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 3,500 kg.
Passenger vehicles designed to carry 12 or more people, including buses and minibuses.
Dangerous goods vehicles transporting hazardous materials, like fuel tankers.
Taxi drivers and others carrying passengers for a fare or reward.

Age Requirements for PrDP:

18 years or older for goods vehicles.
21 years or older for passenger vehicles.
25 years or older for dangerous goods vehicles.

Requirements to Apply for a PrDP

Before you apply for a PrDP, you must meet the following conditions:

Valid Driving Licence: You need a valid driving licence for the specific vehicle category for which you are applying.
Medical Fitness: You must be declared medically fit by a certified doctor. A medical certificate is required and should not be older than two months.
Criminal Record Check: You cannot have a criminal record for certain offenses within the past five years, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless driving.
- Offenses involving violence (for categories P and D).
Training Certification: For dangerous goods vehicles (Category D), you must provide a certificate from an approved training body.
Clear Driving Record: Your driving licence must not have been suspended or cancelled, and you must not have been convicted of serious traffic offenses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a PrDP

Follow these steps to apply for a Professional Driving Permit:

Step 1: Visit a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC)

You must apply for a PrDP at your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). If you’re a Gauteng resident, the application must be done online via the eNatis portal.

Step 2: Complete the Required Forms

You will need to fill out the Application for a Professional Driving Permit (PD1) form. Also, complete the Notification of Change of Address or Particulars of Person or Organisation (NCP) form if your address has changed.

Step 3: Submit the Required Documents

Take the following documents with you when applying:

Identification Document (ID) or a valid South African passport.
Valid driving licence for the vehicle type you wish to drive professionally.
Medical certificate confirming your fitness (should not be older than two months).
Training certificate (for dangerous goods vehicle drivers).
Four identical black-and-white ID-sized photographs.
Proof of residential address, like a utility bill. If you live in an informal settlement, you’ll need a letter from a ward councillor confirming your address.
Conviction report: You may be asked to obtain a report from the nearest police station, although this is often handled electronically if the DLTC has a live capturing unit (LCU).

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

There is a fee for the PrDP application. You’ll need to deposit the fee to a specific bank account provided by the DLTC. Be sure to bring the proof of payment with you.

Banking Details for Fee Deposit:

Bank: ABSA
Branch: Business Banking Johannesburg North
Account Number: 4074078548
Reference: Your ID number.

Step 5: Take the Eye Test

You’ll be required to undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you can have your eyes tested by a qualified optometrist and submit the results.

Step 6: Criminal Clearance Check

Your fingerprints will be taken and checked against the SAPS criminal records database. If you have no record, your application will proceed.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve submitted your application and passed all checks, your PrDP will be processed. The driving licence testing centre will notify you when your PrDP card is ready for collection. Bring your identification when collecting the card.

Important: If the card is not collected within 120 days, it will be destroyed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PrDP?

Processing times for a PrDP vary but can take up to 12 weeks. Be sure to check with your local DLTC for updates.

PrDP Validity and Renewal

A PrDP is typically valid for a certain period, after which it needs to be renewed. The expiry date will be printed on the front of your card, and you should begin the renewal process before it expires to avoid penalties.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a PrDP application varies depending on your location. Contact your nearest licensing office for the most up-to-date fee structure.

Conclusion

Getting a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in South Africa is essential for anyone planning to drive certain commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, and vehicles transporting dangerous goods.

By following the steps outlined above and meeting the necessary requirements, you can apply for and obtain your PrDP, ensuring you’re legally allowed to drive professionally in South Africa.