Cost of getting a driver's license in South Africa
Obtaining a driver's licence in South Africa involves a step-by-step process, with varying costs depending on your location. Prices can differ significantly between provinces, so it's essential to plan accordingly and confirm fees with your local testing centre. Below is a breakdown of the typical expenses involved, from getting your learner's licence to receiving your full driver's licence.
1. Cost of the Learner’s Licence
The journey to getting a driver's licence begins with obtaining a learner’s licence. This document allows you to practice driving under supervision and is mandatory before you can apply for a full licence. The costs for a learner’s licence vary across provinces:
- Booking Fee: This can range from R85 to R170, depending on the province. For example, in Gauteng, you can expect to pay on the higher end, whereas in the Northern Cape, the fee might be lower.
- Issue Fee: If you pass your learner’s test, you’ll also need to pay an issuing fee, which typically ranges from R35 to R100.
It’s advisable to call your local Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) beforehand to confirm the exact fees, as costs can change without prior notice. Check out our guide here for further details on how to apply for a learner's license.
2. Cost of the Driver’s Licence
Once you’ve passed your learner’s licence test, it's time to focus on your practical driving skills. After completing the required lessons, you can apply for a driving test. The costs involved include:
- Booking Fee: Depending on the location, this fee ranges from R220 to R300. In Johannesburg, you might pay around R228, while in Cape Town, the cost is approximately R200.
- Issue Fee: After passing the driving test, the issuing fee for your driver’s licence is typically between R140 and R300. For instance, in Johannesburg, the total cost might reach R300.
Make sure you carry enough cash, as some centres may experience technical issues with card machines, and you don't want to face delays.
3. Additional Costs and Considerations
When planning your budget, it's essential to account for some additional fees and factors:
- Eye Tests: A vision test is mandatory for all applicants. You can have this test done at the testing centre, but many people choose to get it from a registered optometrist beforehand to save time.
- Temporary Licence: While waiting for your permanent driver’s licence, you may need to apply for a temporary licence. This costs around R100 and is valid for six months.
- Renewal Fees: A driver’s licence in South Africa is valid for 5 years, and you should begin the renewal process well before its expiration. The renewal fee is typically around R250.
We also have a complete guide on the Professional Driving Permit (PDP) if you're considering upgrading to commercial driving.
4. Conclusion
The cost of getting a driver’s licence in South Africa varies depending on your location and the specific steps involved. To ensure a smooth process, it's always wise to contact your local testing centre to confirm the fees and avoid unexpected expenses.
Additionally, having some extra cash on hand is a good idea, given the potential for technical issues with payment systems at the testing centres.
