At the age of 16 years or older, you may obtain a code 1 learners licence which will allow you to drive only
- a motor cycle type vehicle with a maximum engine capacity of 125 cc
- a moped where pedals are available to assist the engine or motor
If you are the holder of a valid code 1 learners licence and 18 years old or older, you may drive a motor cycle type vehicle with any engine capacity.
At the age of 17 years or older you may obtain a code 2 learners licence which will allow you to drive any motor vehicle excluding
- motor cycle type vehicles
- any motor vehicle of which the tare exceeds 3 500 kg
- a bus or goods vehicle of which the gross vehicle mass exceeds 3 500 kg
- an articulated motor vehicle of which the gross combination mass exceeds 3 500 kg
At the age of 18 years or older you may apply for a code 3 learners licence which allows the driving of any motor vehicle excluding motor cycle type vehicles.
Once you have obtained a learners licence, you may drive the type of vehicle for which the learners licence is valid. However, you must be accompanied by a driver licensed for the specific vehicle, except in the case of a motor cycle because a learner driver may not transport another person on a motor cycle.
You may be allowed to prebook a learners licence test spot at a call centre. Note that this is not the application, only courtesy to fit your diary. You must apply for a learners licence in person at a driving licence testing centre. You must submit the following:
- duly completed form LL1
- Two identical black and white or colour driving licence type photographs of yourself
The driving licence testing centre will provide you with a date and time on which you will be allowed to complete the learners licence test. You may apply before the qualifying age (see above), but at the time of the of the scheduled learners licence test, you have to be old enough in order to be issued with the learners licence. The learners licence test is a written test to verify your knowledge of the rules of the road, road traffic signs and the controls of a motor vehicle.
If you have passed the test, an issue fee is required to issue the learners licence certificate. One of your photos and your signature will be attached to the certificate and this should be covered with security tape.
You must hold a valid learners licence to be tested for the issuing of a driving licence, i.e. the learners licence must still be valid on the driving licence test appointment date. The learners licence remains valid for its full period unless cancelled by a court order. You may thus, for example, hold a learners licence and if you fail a (practical) driving licence test, be tested again within the period of validity of the learners licence.
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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