Road Safety Blog

Tips for Getting Driver’s Licence in South Africa in 2023

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In South Africa, a driver’s license has a 5-year lifespan, which means that it is crucial to keep it up to date. Driving with an expired license is not only illegal but can also lead to severe penalties. This guide provides essential information on how to renew your driver’s license in South Africa in 2023 to ensure you stay on the right side of the law. 1

Why Timely Renewal Matters

The National Road Traffic Act in South Africa requires all drivers to hold a valid driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle. Letting your license expire can result in severe consequences, including potential jail time and fines. So, ensuring your driver’s license is always up to date is a responsible and necessary step for every driver. 1

Planning Your Renewal

The South African government encourages drivers to initiate the renewal process four weeks before their current license expires. This timeline allows for a smooth transition and ensures that you won’t be left without a valid license. 1

Online Renewal Process

Renewing your driver’s license has become more convenient thanks to the NaTIS online booking system. This system enables license holders to schedule a renewal appointment with their local Driving License Testing Center (DLTC). This service is available in all nine provinces of South Africa. To initiate the online renewal process, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the NaTIS website.
  2. Use the ‘book now’ drop-down menu.
  3. Choose your province for renewal.
  4. Enter your personal information, including your ID number, initials, and surname.
  5. Select your preferred DLTC location within your province.
  6. Choose a suitable date and time for your renewal.
  7. Confirm the details by entering the OTP sent to your mobile number. 1

Alternatively, you can also visit the RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation) Waterfall or RMTC EcoPark DLTC in Gauteng for in-person renewal. This option is faster and can be completed within 20 minutes. 1

Senior Citizens and Walk-In Renewals

If you’re a senior citizen aged 60 or above, you can visit any local DLTC without prior booking and renew your license at your convenience. This walk-in option provides flexibility for senior citizens who might not be as tech-savvy. 1

Required Documents for Renewal

When you’re ready for your renewal appointment, make sure to bring the necessary documents:

  1. A valid South African ID book or Smart card or passport.
  2. A copy of your ID or passport.
  3. Your current driver’s license.
  4. ID-sized photos.
  5. Proof of residence (not older than 3 months).
  6. Credit/debit card for renewal payment. Those opting for a temporary license will need to make an additional payment. 1

At the DLTC, an eye test and fingerprint data will be collected. The eye test is included in the driver’s license renewal fee, but if you prefer to get an eye test from an independent Optometrist, you will need to pay that practitioner separately.

Fingerprints are taken at the DLTC and are also included in the renewal fee. They cannot be taken in advance and must be done at the DLTC facility. 1

Renewal Fee and Pickup

The renewal fee at the DLTC is currently R250. After completing the renewal process, you can expect your new driver’s license to be ready for pickup within 4 to 6 weeks. 1

Tracking Your License

You can track the delivery of your new driver’s license using a simple SMS system. Send an SMS to 33214 with your ID number, and the department will send you an SMS with the status of your new license. After four weeks of renewal, visit your DLTC to collect your new driver’s license. However, please be mindful that there could be possible delays resulting in a wait longer than 4 weeks to get your new licence. 1

Disclaimer

The article aims to provide South African motorists with more information renewing their driver’s licences. 1

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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.

 

 

Sources:

1 https://www.rateweb.co.za/diy/drivers-licence-renewal-guide/

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