How Long Does It Take to Get a PrDP in South Africa? Cost & Requirements (2026)

A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) takes up to 12 weeks to get in South Africa, though a temporary PrDP lets you drive professionally straight away while you wait. You need a PrDP to drive commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, taxis and vehicles that carry dangerous goods. This guide covers how long it takes, the requirements, the documents, the cost and the step-by-step process.

How long does it take to get a PrDP?

A PrDP takes up to 12 weeks to be issued. Your fingerprints are first checked against the police criminal database (through Afiswitch), which takes about 5 to 10 working days, and your PrDP card is then produced. Many cards are ready within 21 to 35 days, but you should allow up to 12 weeks. While you wait, you can apply for a temporary PrDP, which is valid for 6 months and lets you drive professionally straight away.

What is a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)?

A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is an extra permit you need to drive certain vehicles for a living in South Africa. It is issued together with your normal driving licence, and the expiry date is printed on your licence card. You need a PrDP to drive:

• Goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass over 3 500 kg, such as trucks.
• Buses and minibuses that carry 12 or more people.
• Vehicles carrying dangerous goods, such as fuel tankers.
• Taxis and other vehicles that carry passengers for a fare.

Who needs a PrDP, and what are the categories?

A PrDP has three categories, and each has a minimum age:

• Category G (goods): for goods vehicles. Minimum age 18.
• Category P (passengers): for buses, minibuses and taxis. Minimum age 21.
• Category D (dangerous goods): for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Minimum age 25.

Do you write a test for a PrDP?

No. You do not write a driving test for a PrDP. Because you already hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle, the PrDP is granted on the basis of three checks: a medical examination, an eye test, and a police criminal-record check. You only need to pass a licence test if you do not yet have the correct driving licence for the vehicle.

What are the requirements for a PrDP?

To get a PrDP, you must meet these requirements:

1. Valid driving licence: you hold a valid licence for the vehicle code that matches the PrDP category.
2. Medical certificate: a MED 1 medical certificate signed by a doctor, dated within the last two months.
3. Clear criminal record: no conviction for drunk driving, reckless driving, or (for categories P and D) violence within the past five years.
4. Clear driving record: your licence has not been suspended or cancelled.
5. Training certificate (Category D only): for dangerous goods, a certificate from an approved training body.

What documents do you need to apply?

Take these documents to the testing centre when you apply:

• Your South African ID or valid passport.
• Your valid driving licence for the vehicle.
• Your MED 1 medical certificate, not older than two months.
• A training certificate, if you are applying for Category D.
• Recent ID-sized photographs, if the centre does not take your photo digitally.
• Proof of residential address, not older than three months.

How do you apply for a PrDP? Step by step

1. Apply at a DLTC: apply at your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre. Gauteng residents apply online through the NaTIS system.
2. Complete the application form: fill in the PrDP application form at the centre.
3. Submit your documents: hand in your ID, licence, medical certificate and other documents.
4. Have your eye test and fingerprints taken: the centre does an eye test and takes your fingerprints for the police check.
5. Pay the fee: pay the application fee at the centre and keep your receipt.
6. Collect your PrDP: collect your permit as soon as the centre tells you it is ready.

How much does a PrDP cost?

A PrDP costs about R110 for the application and fingerprint processing, plus about R84 if you take a temporary permit while you wait. Renewal costs about R114. Fees are set locally and change from time to time, so confirm the exact amount with your DLTC.

How long is a PrDP valid, and how do you renew it?

A PrDP is valid for 24 months. The expiry date is printed on your driving licence card. Start your renewal at least four weeks before it expires, because there is no grace period. To renew, submit a fresh medical certificate, new fingerprints and a new criminal-record check.

Frequently asked questions about the PrDP

How long does it take to get a PrDP?
A PrDP takes up to 12 weeks to be issued. A temporary PrDP, valid for six months, lets you drive professionally while you wait.

Do you write a test for a PrDP?
No. A PrDP does not require a driving test. It is granted after a medical exam, an eye test and a police criminal-record check.

What are the requirements for a PrDP?
You need a valid driving licence, a medical certificate dated within two months, a clear criminal and driving record, and to meet the minimum age for the category.

How much does a PrDP cost?
A PrDP costs about R110 for the application, plus about R84 for a temporary permit. Confirm the exact fee with your DLTC.

How long is a PrDP valid?
A PrDP is valid for 24 months, after which you must renew it.

For more on the different codes, read our guide to the types of driving licences in South Africa, and see how to renew your driving licence when it expires.