How much does a driver’s license cost?

As much as we’d all like to have that little piece of freedom-enabling plastic glistening in our wallets, it comes at a price. You can’t just ‘get’ your license. It’s a process, and it costs a bit of money. It also depends which province you call home – prices differ. In Gauteng it can be almost twice as expensive as the rest of SA.

Step 1: Getting your learner’s license

The current cost of booking the test for your Learner’s Licence (Code 3 – your ‘everyday’ car) ranges from between R68 and R300 or even more, depending on which province you’re in – as such, it is best to call the relevant testing centre beforehand to find out what the exact costs are. For testing centres in the Western Cape, click here. Johannesburg residents, you can click here for the complete list.

As for the rest of South Africa, you will find where you need to go below:

But wait, there’s more

On top of that, it can cost anything between R33 and R100 for the licence issuing fee if you pass your test. Your driving instructor should also be able to answer any cost-related questions. But we still recommend calling first to find out the exact cost so you don’t go to all that trouble and pitch up with too little cash. And yes, we recommend cash, because sometimes the credit card machines are offline. Imagine having taken a day off work to arrive with the incorrect amount of money or a credit card, only to find that it costs significantly more, or there’s a power outage of some sort!

Costs in Jo’burg vs. Cape Town

For the written (learner’s license) test booking, it will still cost you R68 in the City of Cape Town for code 3. For the issue of the actual learner’s license, it will cost an additional R33 (correct as in May 2022).

In Johannesburg, it’s R108 for the booking (written test) and R60 – R72 for the learner’s license itself. You will need a valid ID document and you will need to pass an eye test. You will need to complete a LL1 form at the testing centre, or you can print the LL1 form and fill it out in advance, to save you time. You can download this form (as well as a Driver’s License form) on the NaTIS website here.

Let’s recap – Here’s what you should bring along with you:

Your ID or passport;
Two to four recent ID photos (also have them taken beforehand so you don’t need to do it there);
The completed LL1 form (if you plan on skipping at least one queue);
Your glasses, or if you wear contact lenses, ensure you are indeed wearing them;
Proof of residence;
The receipt of the payment made when booking the test;
Your own pen and some hand sanitiser, just in case.
Don’t forget your face mask!

Step 2: Getting your driver’s license

Once you’ve had your *K-53 driving lessons and you are nearly ready to hit the road to independence, you can undergo the driving test. The application (driving test) is R135 in Cape Town (Code B, a car no more than 3500kg), and the issue of the license itself will set you back another R140.

In Johannesburg, expect to pay R288 – R300 for the license itself and R228 for the issuing fee, but yet again we recommend calling in advance just to make sure, as prices may go up without prior notice.

Step 2: Getting your driver’s license

Related Resources

📋 Online Applications Guide Comprehensive guides for online applications in South Africa

🛡️ PSIRA Registration Guide Step-by-step PSIRA registration and renewal process

🏛️ University Applications University admission requirements and application tips

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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