NATIS Online Booking Licence Services

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NATIS online booking is an easy way to book any of the eNATIS (online.natis.gov.za) services without leaving your home. Following the COVID 19 outbreak lockdown period in March 2020, many Driving Licence Testing Centres were closed for the rest of last year and most of this year.  The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) now has an accumulation of driving licence test applications. With this backlog and the necessity for health and safety measures, it is best for South Africans to book a slot online. RMTC uses the National Traffic Information Systems (NATIS) department to give members of the public the ability to “download forms for most vehicle and driving licence transactions, access the address and contact details of your nearest service centre, find answers to frequently asked questions, participate in forums (registration required), download statistics and read the latest news on system enhancements and performance.” Your NaTIS document is also sometimes known as your vehicle registration certificate

NATIS online booking system is a portal from the National Traffic Information System (NATIS) that provides the below services to motorists:

  • Book a learners licence test,
  • Apply for a professional driving permit,
  • Book a driver’s license test,
  • Renew an expired driver’s licence card,
  • Check the status of their licences, and
  • Renew motor vehicle licence.

This article will help you understand how to use the online service portal without having to visit the traffic departments or post office. We explain what the requirements for your use case are and the application form you’ll need to fill plus where to download them.

Booking a Learners Licence Test

To be allowed to drive a motor vehicle in South Africa, you must first have a Learners Licence. You cannot have a drivers licence without first having a learners licence. Learner licences only acts as a temporary driving licence that allows you to drive on a public road under the supervision of a person with a  full drivers licence, unless you are riding a motor cycle. People with leaner licences are not allowed to carry passengers on motor cycles.

Navigating the Leaners Licence Online Booking Page

  1. On the NATIS online portal, you will notice a drop down menu and a map. The map shows which provinces are active for online. Ensure NATIS online booking for your province is active before you continue with the registration process.
  2. Select your province on the drop down menu.
  3. Navigate to the section with the button “Book now for Learner’s Licence Test” and select it.
  4. The top of the next page shows the learners licence codes. There are three codes a learner’s licence can have. They are named Code 1, Code 2 and Code 3. The codes are explained in the “Learners Licence Codes” Section of this article. Before you select one, you should know the vehicle you will learn how to drive under it and understand what the minimum qualifying criteria is for it.
  5. On the same page, you will submit personal details including your official names, cell phone number and email address. A One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to you using the contacts you provide to complete the booking. Click the “Next” button when you’re done.
  6. Confirm your contact details, including residential address, on this page and click “Next” again when you’re done.
  7. Choose the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) on the next page. Availability of DLTCs on this page is updated constantly everyday between 8.00 am every morning and 8.00pm in the evening. You should refresh constantly to find one that is available. Click “Next”
  8. Select the date and time you want to take the learners licence test. Click “Next”
  9. Confirm everything you have submitted on the next page and click “Next.” You will get confirmation whether or not your application to book a learners licence test was successful or not. If not, there will be a prompt showing you why
  10.  An OTP will be sent to your number. Confirm your application using the OTP.

Be adequately prepared for the learners licence test in order to pass. This link will help you prepare. Together with your application, you are supposed to have a completed Application for the learners licence form (LL1), 3 identical black and white driving licence type photographs and the required application fee. Confirm the fees with your nearest DLTC. All application forms are downloadable from the official NATIS website.

Booking a Drivers Licence Test

  1. On the NATIS online website, you will notice a drop down menu and a map. The map shows which provinces are active for online. Ensure NATIS online booking for your province is active before you proceed.
  2. Select your province on the drop down menu.
  3. Navigate to the section with the button “Book now for Drivers Licence Test” and select it.
  4. The top of the next page shows the drivers licence codes. The codes are Code A1, Code A, Code B, Code C1, Code C, Code EB, Code EC1 and Code C. The codes are explained in the “Drivers Licence Codes” Section of this article. The codes correspond to vehicle types you want to be able to drive using your new licence.
  5. On the same page, you will submit personal details including your official names, cell phone number and email. Click the “Next” button when you’re done.
  6. Confirm your contact details on this page and click “Next” again when you’re done.
  7. Choose the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) on the next page. Click “Next”
  8. Select the date and time you want to take the drivers licence test. Click “Next”
  9. Confirm everything you have submitted on the next page and click “Next.” You will get confirmation whether or not your application to book a drivers licence test was successful or not. If not, there will be a prompt showing you why
  10.  An OTP will be sent to your number. Confirm your application using the OTP.

To pass a drivers licence test, you have to know the K53 road signs and rules, take a personal or DLTC eye test from an optometrist, and prove that you can operate the vehicle under the code you are applying. This link will help you prepare. On the day of the test, you should have a completed,  Application for Drivers Licence (DL1) form, your RSA ID, four drivers licence type black and white photographs of yourself, and the required fee.

Renewal of Driving Licence Card

People with an expired drivers licence can use the NATIS online booking to book a licence appointment to renew it using the NATIS online booking system. All Gauteng residents should apply online for the renewal of their licence. You will not be required to take a driving test for a renewal, but you are required to take an eye test after paying the required fee. Ensure you have your RSA Identity Document, a completed Application for Drivers Licence (DL1) form, and four black and white drivers licence type photographs. The steps involved in the online booking for licence card renewals are:

  1. On the NATIS online website, you will notice a drop down menu and a map. The map shows which provinces are active for online. Ensure NATIS online booking for your province is active before you proceed.
  2. Select your province on the drop down menu.
  3. Navigate to the section with the button “Book now for Drivers Licence Card Remewal” and select it.
  4. On the next page, select the type of identification you have.
  5. On the same page, you will submit personal details including your official names, cell phone number and email. Click the “Next” button when your done.
  6. Confirm your contact details on this page and click “Next” again when you’re done.
  7. Choose the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) on the next page. Click “Next”
  8. Look at the available online slots and select the date and time you want to take the learners licence test. Click “Next”
  9. Confirm everything you have submitted on the next page and click “Next.” You will get confirmation whether or not your application to book a drivers licence test was successful or not. If not, there will be a prompt showing you why
  10.  An OTP will be sent to your number. Confirm your application using the OTP.

Motor Vehicle Renewals

You can renew a motor vehicle licence using the online process and pick up your disc at a location of your choice or at the nearest DLTC.

  1. On the NATIS online website, select your province.
  2. Click on the “View Motor Renewals” button.
  3. Choose the licence disc details
  4. Fill in the details of your bank and make online payment via the payment gateway.

The vehicle owner can also choose to receive an SMS or email to remind them when they should renew their vehicle licence. 

Other NATIS Online Services

The site also lets you apply for professional drivers permit (PrDP) and check the status of your licences. Once you create an account with NATIS online, you will get notified when your licences are approaching their expiry dates.

Professional drivers are required by law to have a permit. Professional drivers include drivers of taxis, minibus taxis, buses, breakdown vehicles, lorries and trailers with a GMV above 3,500 kg, and motor vehicles with a fuel tank.

To apply, go to the NATIS online website, login to your account with your login details and select your province. Click on the “Book Now for PrDP Application” tab and follow the prompts that come after. Provide your contact information, your personal information, your driver’s licence information, and the DLTC you want to book a slot at. Confirm that the booking is successful.

Drivers Licence Codes

In order to drive a vehicle in the Republic of South Africa, you must know how to operate a vehicle, how to navigate the roads, what the rules of the road are, and how to read road signs. RTMC ensures that you comply with these requirements before you are licenced to use the road. For this purpose, motor vehicles are divided into different categories. Your driver’s licence will show the category of vehicles you are qualified to drive on country roads. The classes are:

Code A1

This code is for single motorcycles or motorcycles with a sidecar having 125cc engines or smaller ones. You must be 16 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code A

Code A is for single motorcycle, or motorcycles with a sidecar having 125cc engines or larger ones. You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive this category of vehicles.

Code B

Code B is for any motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) of 3,500 kg or less. It could be a car, bus or a truck. You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code C1

This code is for any motor vehicle with a GMV of between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code C

This code is for motor vehicles with a GMV above 16,000 kg. You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code EB

This code is for two types of moving vehicles:

  • The first is a light motor vehicle that is drawing a trailer. The two combined should have a gross combination mass of 3,500 kg or less.
  •  The second is a combination of a motor vehicle with a tare (weight without occupants, load or fuel) of 3,500 kg or less and another motor vehicle with a GMV of 3,500 kg or less.

You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code EC1

This code is also for two types of moving vehicles:

  • An articulated (drawing one trailer or several trailers) heavy motor vehicle of between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg.
  • A combination of a motor vehicle with a tare between 3,500 kg and 16,500 kg and another motor vehicle with a GMV of 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg.

You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Code EC

The last code, Code EC, is for two types moving vehicles:

  • An articulated motor vehicle with a GMV of 16,001 kg and above, and
  • A combination of two motor vehicles of 16,001 kg and above.

You must be 18 years old and above to qualify for a drivers licence that gives authorisation to drive category of vehicles.

Leaners Licence Codes

The learners licence allows you to learn how to drive. While you hold this licence, you are allowed to drive under the supervision of a person with a drivers licence. Since it is the precursor to a driving licence, the codes for learners licence derive from the drivers licence. Before choosing the code for your learners licence, you should know what you will be driving under that code.

Code 1

Code 1 falls under the same criteria as code A and Code A1 in the drivers licence codes. Under Code 1 you will learn how to drive motor vehicles in those categories.

Code 2 falls under the same criteria as code B and Code EB in the drivers licence codes. Under Code 2 you will learn how to drive motor vehicles in those categories.

Code 3

Code 3 falls under the same criteria as code C1, C, EC1, and Code EC, in the drivers licence codes. Under Code 3, you will learn how to drive motor vehicles in those categories.

Disclaimer:

This article is only meant to be informative, laws and regulations change constantly. Visit the NATIS website or consult with your nearest DLTC for updated information.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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