what is a learners licence

Before you start your driving lessons on a public road you need to present the instructor with your official learners license. You can apply to be tested for a learner's license at any registered driving license testing centre (DLTC) on the appropriate application form (form LL1).

The learner's license test will cover the following sections:

• Rules of the road
• Road traffic signs, signals and road markings
• The use of controls of a vehicle

The learner's license will be valid for a period of 24 months from the day of issue.

Motorcycles 125cc or less (without a sidecar):16 years

Light Motorcycle vehicles not more than 3500kgs: 17 years

All other vehicles (including motorcycles over 125cc): 18 years

• If you have been disqualified by a court of law or competent authority from driving a motor vehicle and that order is still valid
• If you already hold a valid license to drive the same class of vehicle
• If your license to drive has been suspended or the cancellation period has not yet expired
• Addiction to the use of any drug or the excessive use of intoxicating liquor

If you are suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities:

• Uncontrollable epilepsy
• Sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension
• Any form of mental illness to such an extent that it is necessary to be detained, supervised, controlled and treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973)
• Any condition causing muscular coordination problems
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Defective vision in accordance with a prescribed standard (certified by a registered optometrist)
• Any other disease or physical defect, which is likely to render you incapable of effectively driving and controlling a vehicle without endangering the safety of the public (Deafness is not considered a defect).

• Have your relevant identification documents with you when applying:
  • Temporary identity certificate, an identity document identity card or
  • A valid South African passport
  • In the case of a person not permanently resid in the Republic, an identity document issued by a foreign country or a traffic register number certificate
• Pass the eye test conducted at the testing centre or bring in a valid eye test issued by your optometrist
• Two recent passport size photographs (black and white or colour).

The theory test is a multiple-choice test consisting of questions for which you must choose the correct answers from the options provided. At some testing centers you are able to complete this test using a computer otherwise it is a pen and paper test.

For the pen and paper test you will be given a book of questions, an answer sheet, a chart of the road signs and a book showing various road layouts and pictures of the controls of vehicle.

The test generally consists of 64 questions spread across the syllabus below:

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Section: Rules of the Road

Number of questions: 28

Pass mark: 22

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Section: Road signs-signals and marking

Number of questions: 28

Pass mark: 23

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Section: Controls of the vehicle

Number of questions: 8

Pass mark: 6

Vehicle controls are items such as the steering wheel (handlebars for motorcycles), brakes, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, speedometer etc. You must know the function of all the vehicle controls.

Important: Although the layouts for the controls vary across the different makes and models of vehicles, their functions remain the same.

• To check if it is safe to move, use the mirrors (Refer to illustration 1 & 3)
• To indicate your intention to change direction/turn, use the indicator (Refer to illustration 5)
• To turn or change direction, use the steering wheel (refer to illustration 4)
• To ensure the parked vehicle remains stationary, use the parking brake (Refer to illustration 7)
• To select a gear, use the clutch and the gear lever (Refer to illustration 6 & 8)
• To increase speed, use the accelerator (refer to illustration 10)
• To stop or reduce speed suddenly, use the foot brake (refer to illustration 9)
• To negotiate a sharp turn, use the rear-view mirror, exterior mirrors, indicator, gear lever, steering wheel and the accelerator (Refer to illustration 1,3,4,5,6,8 & 9).

Vehicle controls are items such as the steering wheel (handlebars for motorcycles), brakes, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, speedometer etc. You must know the function of all the vehicle controls.

Important: Although the layouts for the controls vary across the different makes and models of vehicles, their functions remain the same.

• To check if it is safe to move, use the mirrors (Refer to illustration 1 & 3)
• To indicate your intention to change direction/turn, use the indicator (Refer to illustration 5)
• To turn or change direction, use the steering wheel (refer to illustration 4)
• To ensure the parked vehicle remains stationary, use the parking brake (Refer to illustration 7)
• To select a gear, use the clutch and the gear lever (Refer to illustration 6 & 8)
• To increase speed, use the accelerator (refer to illustration 10)
• To stop or reduce speed suddenly, use the foot brake (refer to illustration 9)
• To negotiate a sharp turn, use the rear-view mirror, exterior mirrors, indicator, gear lever, steering wheel and the accelerator (Refer to illustration 1,3,4,5,6,8 & 9).