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Western Cape Mobility Department

Learner’s licence

Service ID:
10108
Topics:
Driving, transport and roads
Tags:
Licence Road safety Service Vehicle WCMD
Young man holding the L signs of the car

Getting a learner's licence for a motor vehicle is the first step to getting a driving licence. It's important to know what's applicable for different vehicle types before applying.

Types of Licences 

Learner’s licences are issued according to the type of vehicle you intend to drive:

  • Code A1: For smaller motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 125cc (minimum age 16).
  • Code A: For larger motorcycles with an engine capacity above 125cc (minimum age 18).
  • Code B (Old Code 8): For passenger cars, minibuses, and light goods vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) up to 3,500 kg (minimum age 18).
  • Code EB: For light motor vehicles pulling a heavy trailer where the combination mass exceeds normal Code B limits (minimum age 18)
  • Code C1 (Old Code 10): For medium-heavy trucks and buses with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg (minimum age 18).
  • Code C: For heavy rigid vehicles and buses with a GVM exceeding 16,000 kg.
  • Code EC1: For medium articulated vehicles (truck and heavy trailer) up to 16,000 kg combined.
  • Code EC (Old Code 14): For heavy articulated vehicles with no weight limit.

Before applying, make sure you select the learner’s licence code that corresponds with the type of vehicle you intend to drive.

What you need to book your test

To apply for a learner’s licence, you will need:

  • Your official South African identity document.
  • Two ID-sized black and white or colour photographs (35mm x 45mm).
  • Proof of address, not older than 3 months.
  • If you're under 18 years old, an adult (parent, relative, or whomever you're residing with) must confirm your address in an affidavit. The affidavit must be signed and stamped at a SAPS office or by a Commissioner of Oaths.
  • Complete the LL1 application form, which is provided at the traffic department.
  • Bring a pen, as traffic departments may not provide one.
  • You must undergo an eye test.

Note: Motorists must verify all personal and address particulars with any motor vehicle or driving licence transaction. 

Fees

The current learner’s licence fees in the Western Cape are:

  • Learner’s licence test/application fee: R68
  • Learner’s licence issue fee after passing the test: R33

Fees are subject to change. Applicants should confirm the applicable fees with their testing centre before attending.

Booking your learners licence test

All learners licence tests are conducted via the Computerised Learners Licence Testing (CLLT) system. 

To book your test:

  • Visit your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
  • Submit the required documents and complete the LL1 application form.
  • Pay the applicable test/application fee.
  • An appointment date will be provided for your learner’s licence test.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, cancel it as soon as possible. This helps prevent unnecessary delays and backlogs in the appointment system.

Appointments may only be cancelled if you are:

  • Sick (you'll need to provide a medical certificate).
  • Attending a funeral (you'll need to provide a death certificate).
  • Writing exams (you'll have to provide a timetable).

The payment won't be refunded if you cancel your appointment. 

Preparing for your test

To pass your learner’s test, you need to study and understand the following: 

  • rules of the road,
  • road markings and road signs,
  • controls of a vehicle.

You can access the relevant study on the Natis website under "Downloads", OR click on the below links to go directly to the study material:

Printed learner manuals have also been made available at selected public libraries across the province to assist prospective learner’s licence applicants who may not have access to digital learning material. 

The public libraries in following municipalities have received learner material.

  • Drakenstein
  • Cape Agulhas
  • Theewaterskloof
  • Bitou
  • Knysna
  • George
  • Mossel Bay
  • Swellendam
  • Kannaland Oudtshoorn
  • Beaufort Western
  • Saldanha Bay
  • Bergriver
  • Cederberg
  • Matzikama
  • Oudtshoorn
  • Hessequa
  • Cape Town (Coming soon)
  • Witzenberg (Coming soon)
  • Breede Valley (Coming soon)
  • Langeberg (Coming soon)
  • Overstrand (Coming soon)
  • Laingsburg (Coming soon)
  • Prince Albert (Coming soon)
  • Stellenbosch (Coming soon)

For more information contact:

Transport Administration and Licensing Helpdesk
Tel: 021 483 2080 / 2078 / 2469/ 0520/ 6401
 

On the day of the test

When you've made your appointment and received your test date, make sure you get to the venue 15 minutes before the time.

Remember to take:

  • Your appointment sheet
  • Your official identity document
  • Applicable fee (R33)

Rules for driving with a learner’s licence

  • Once you have a learner's licence, you may drive the type of vehicle that your licence is valid for.
  • A licensed driver must accompany you at all times (except on a motorcycle).
  • A learner driver may not carry another person on a motorcycle.

Your learner’s licence will be valid for 2 years.

Call or visit your local traffic department to get information about the application process.