FAQ's

Can I convert a military licence to a civilian licence after retirement or resignation from the SANDF?

The matter of recognising the military driver’s licence is dealt with in the National Road Traffic Act, 1996, and the Regulations thereunder. Consequently, the Road Traffic Management Corporation is unable to depart from the legislative or policy prescripts set by the Department of Transport.

Can I still convert an expired driving licence contained in an identity document to a civilian licence?

If you failed to convert a driving licence contained in an identity document during the conversion period, then your licence ceases to exist.

What is the procedure to follow when I am caught on camera while speeding?

Motorists caught on camera while speeding are sent a notice of the alleged offence. They can choose to either pay that amount or wait until the summons has been hand-delivered to their home address by a Sheriff of the court. If you want to see the photo of the alleged violation, you can do so at the JMPD headquarters at no cost.

Motorists who wish to dispute the charges must inform the Prosecutor of the traffic court in writing, in advance of the trial date. If you missed the deadline for paying the contempt of court fine but still wish to pay your fine on or before the date of your court appearance, you may do so at Room B41 at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court.

How do I register a used vehicle?

• A duly completed application form (MVR1A or RLV).
• Your South African identity document (if you are a resident) or an identity document issued by a foreign country (if you are a person not permanently residing in South Africa), or a Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificate.
• A certificate of incorporation or name change as issued in terms of the Companies Act if the vehicle is to be registered to a company.
• A founding statement or a certificate of name change issued in terms of the Close Corporations Act if the vehicle is to be registered to a Close Corporation 
• If the motor vehicle is registered in South Africa, the registration certificate concerned.
• If the tare has changed for any reason, a mass measuring certificate.
• If the vehicle has a new engine or if the VIN/chassis number has changed, a South African Police Service clearance of the motor vehicle is required.
• If required by the registering authority, proof of the right to be registered as the title holder of the motor vehicle concerned. Such proof may be an invoice, a sales agreement, etc. It is advised that you phone your nearest call centre or registering authority to establish whether they accept or require any other document as proof.

How do I register a new vehicle?

• A duly completed RLV application form. Note the declaration at the signature - do not make yourself liable to prosecution for providing false information.
• Acceptable identification of the title holder and the owner (only one set if it is only one person).
• A certificate issued by the manufacturer or importer of the motor vehicle on the official stationery of such manufacturer or importer, OR the registration certificate.
• (RC1 Form) issued to the manufacturer, builder or importer when they registered the vehicle into stock for the first time.
• The relevant fees as prescribed in the province of your appropriate registering authority (the authority in the area where you reside).  

Please note the following:       

• To obtain a mass measuring certificate, it is advised that you contact your local registering authority for the contact details of a facility that offers this service.
• A South African Police Service clearance will only be issued after your registering authority has issued you with a referral. After the referral has been issued, the registration certificate of the vehicle must be presented to the SAPS for the process to be initiated.
• The registering authority will assess your application, and you will pay the fees as prescribed by your province.
• A duly completed RLV application form. Note the declaration at the signature - do not make yourself liable to prosecution for providing false information.
• Acceptable identification of the title holder and the owner (only one set if it is only one person).
• A certificate issued by the manufacturer or importer of the motor vehicle on the official stationery of the manufacturer or importer, OR the registration certificate.
• (RC1 form) issued to the manufacturer, builder or importer when they registered the vehicle into stock for the first time.
• The relevant fees as prescribed in the province of your appropriate registering authority (the authority in the area where you reside).   

Kindly note the following before reading this notice:

Your South African driving licence card serves as valid proof that you have a South African driving licence. When your driving licence card expires, it does not mean that your driving licence has expired - only that the card serving as valid proof that you hold such a licence has expired. When you renew your card, you will not be expected to undergo a driving test.

The process to follow if your driving licence card is lost or stolen is the same as the renewal of a driving licence card that is about to expire/has expired.

Renewal of driving licence card for applicants within the borders of South Africa:

Applicants must submit the following at the appropriate driving licence testing centre (DLTC):

• A duly completed DL1 form.
• Identification (ID) document.
• Certified copy of the ID document (for filing purposes).
• Four photographs (same format as that required for ID documents).
• The card issuing fee.

The new driving licence card should be available for collection at the DLTC where the application was submitted within approximately six weeks. If the application for a new card is submitted within 2 months of expiry, the expiry date is extended for 3 months. If the card has already expired at the time of application, an application for a temporary driving licence should be made at the same time.

If an applicant knows that they will be unable to receive the driving licence card in person at the driving licence testing centre, the application must be accompanied by the following:

• A certified copy of the ID document of the person who will collect the card on the applicant’s behalf - An affidavit in which the applicant states why he or she will be unable to receive the card in person and lists the name and ID number of the person who will receive the card on their behalf.
• The person whose name and ID number appear on the affidavit must, when collecting the card on behalf of the applicant, present his or her ID document.
• If an applicant is unable to receive the card in person due to unforeseen circumstances, the person who collects the card on behalf of the applicant must submit the following:
• Their ID document and a certified copy.
• A certified copy of the ID document of the applicant.
• An affidavit in which the applicant explains the nature of the unforeseen circumstances preventing them from receiving the card in person and lists the name and ID number of the person who will receive the card on their behalf.

Renewal of a driving licence card for applicants residing outside the borders of South Africa:

• One needs to apply in person for renewal of a driving licence card as new fingerprints, photographs, a signature and an eye test are required.
• Should the applicant know that they will not be in the country at the time of delivery, they may nominate a relative or other person to collect the card on their behalf. Such an applicant must follow the procedure explained in 1.3 above. In addition, the applicant must, when personally applying, notify the relevant DLTC that they have nominated another person to collect the card upon delivery.
• As in the previous instances, such applicants can apply for a temporary driving licence and submit this with their application for a renewal.

Applicants outside South Africa whose driving licence cards have expired or were lost/stolen and who are not able to return to South Africa to renew their driving licence:       

• The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) can issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid driving licence (this will be established on the NaTIS). The letter will serve as proof that the applicant holds a valid driving licence, and this will enable them to convert the licence to a foreign driving licence in the country in which they currently reside.
• Please note that the confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when presented to a law enforcement official.
• Applicants requiring confirmation letters are requested to include their South African ID number and postal address (to which the letter will be mailed) with their application.

1. Can I get a refund on a motor vehicle licence fee paid?

The procedure for a refund on a motor vehicle licence fee is clearly stated in the Road Traffic Act, Regulation 37 (click here), that the owner of a motor vehicle which has been:

• Reported stolen as referred to in Regulation 54(1)(c).
• Reported permanently unfit for use as a motor vehicle, or as permanently demolished as referred to in Regulation 55(1)(b).
• Deregistered in terms of Regulation 17.
• The owner may apply for a refund of an amount calculated at one-twelfth of the motor vehicle licence fees paid in respect of such motor vehicle in terms of Regulation 25(2) for every month for which the motor vehicle licence remains valid, on the day immediately preceding the day on which the owner becomes exempt from liability for licensing of the motor vehicle concerned in terms of Regulation 54(5) or 55(4) or is deregistered in terms of Regulation 17.
• The owner of the motor vehicle referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall, within a period not exceeding three months after the date of notification in terms of Regulation 54(1) or 55(1) or the date of deregistration, apply to the MEC of the province to which such owner has paid the motor vehicle licence fees referred to in sub-regulation (1), for a refund of the motor vehicle licence fees, on a form similar to form RLF or on form RLF.
• On receipt of the application referred to in sub-regulation (2), the MEC concerned may refund the owner of the motor vehicle referred to in sub-regulation (1), with the amount referred to in sub-regulation (1), but an amount of less than R100.00 shall not be refunded.

1. How can I get my vehicle back when impounded by the JMPD?

Regarding Johannesburg Metro Police:

• Cars parked illegally around Johannesburg may be towed away and impounded by the JMPD. To have the car released, the owner must pay the impounding fee at the JMPD headquarters, located at the corner of Village Main Road & Loveday Street, Wemmer, Johannesburg, 2001. The department does not use clamps. JMPD Impound Department can be contacted on 011 490 1514/01.

Can the Traffic Authorities track my fine when on holiday in another Province?

• If you are fined while on holiday in Durban, it may take the traffic authorities in Johannesburg a while to become aware of it. However, such information is stored on a common database called the National Traffic Information System.
• Municipalities can feed their information into the system, and once a person has committed an offence, the car and its registration number are captured on the database, and local authorities have access to the motorist's name and address. The summons can then be sent to the appropriate address. This, however, may take some time.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in any country other than South Africa is valid to drive within South Africa if:

• The IDP was issued on a date that the holder had not been a permanent or ordinarily resident in South Africa.
• A person is a permanent resident in South Africa if they are a South African citizen, or disposes over an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs that grants the right to permanently reside in South Africa, and they reside in South Africa.
• Contract workers and visitors are not permanent residents in South Africa if they do not comply with the conditions; regardless of the length of their stay in South Africa, the IDP will be valid until expiry.
• A person is a resident in South Africa if they are on an extended visit of more than three months on a contract of employment (not just visiting).
• The IDP is accompanied by the driving licence on the authority of which the permit was issued.
• The driving licence may have been issued at any time, even if the person resided permanently in South Africa at the time the licence was issued and may be in any foreign language and without a photograph and signature.
• The IDP is valid (i.e. it has not expired yet).
• An IDP remains valid until the expiry date of the IDP, OR until the driving licence on the authority of the permit is no longer valid, OR until the holder has been a permanent resident for a continuous period of 1 year in South Africa, whichever is earlier.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in any country other than South Africa is valid to drive within South Africa if:

• The IDP was issued on a date that the holder had not been a permanent or ordinary resident in South Africa.
• A person is a permanent resident in South Africa if they are a South African citizen, or hold an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs that grants the right to reside in South Africa permanently, and they reside in South Africa.
• Contract workers and visitors are not permanent residents in South Africa if they do not comply with the conditions, regardless of the length of their stay in South Africa, the IDP will be valid until expiry.
• A person is an ordinary resident in South Africa if they are in South Africa on an extended visit of more than three months on a contract of employment (not just visiting).
• The IDP is accompanied by the driving licence on the authority of which the permit was issued.
• The driving licence may have been issued at any time, even if the person resided permanently in South Africa at the time the licence was issued and may be in any foreign language and without a photograph and signature.
• The IDP is valid (i.e. it has not expired yet).
• An IDP remains valid until the expiry date of the IDP, OR until the driving licence on the authority of which the permit was issued is no longer valid, OR until the holder has been a permanent resident for a continuous period of 1 year in South Africa, whichever is earlier.
• An IDP remains valid until the expiry date of the IDP, OR until the driving licence on the authority of which the permit was issued is no longer valid, OR until the holder has been a permanent resident for a continuous period of 1 year in South Africa, whichever is earlier.

What does the abbreviation RTMC mean?

It stands for Road Traffic Management Corporation.

Provisional Learner's Licence

The person concerned may not drive a motor vehicle carrying passengers in respect of which a professional driving permit is required.

• The person concerned must be accompanied in that vehicle by and be under the direct personal supervision of a person seated next to or immediately behind the driver.
• Such a person must have a valid driving licence, other than a learner's or similar licence, authorising him or her to drive that class of motor vehicle.
• This is not applicable where the provisional licence relates to a motor vehicle that has no seating accommodation for a passenger or to a motorcycle.
• In the case of a goods vehicle, in respect of which a professional driving permit is required, the person supervising the learner driver must also hold a valid professional driving permit.
• The person concerned may not drive a motorcycle while carrying another passenger.

How do I apply for a learner's licence?

If you are older than 17, you can obtain a learner's licence for the following vehicles:

• A motorcycle with an engine capacity of 125 cc or more.
• A motor car.
• A minibus.
• A small goods vehicle.
• A larger vehicle.

If you are 16 years old, you can obtain a learner's licence for a motorcycle with an engine capacity of between 50 cc and 125 cc.

Once you have obtained a learner's licence, you may drive the type of vehicle for which the learner's licence is valid however, you must be accompanied by a licenced driver, except in the case of a motorcycle, because a learner driver may not transport another person on a motorcycle.

To apply for a learner's licence, you need to complete form LL1 at a driving licence testing centre.

You must then submit this form together with the following:

1) your ID document,

2) two identical black and white or colour photographs of yourself,

3) the required fee.

The driving licence testing centre will provide you with a date and time at which you will be allowed to complete the learner's licence test.

The learner's licence test will verify your knowledge of the rules of the road, road traffic signs and the controls of a motor vehicle.

Applicants outside  the  borders  of South Africa whose  driving  licence cards have expired, were lost or stolen, and who are not able to return to South Africa to have the licence  renewed:

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is able to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid licence. This is established by verifying the applicant's South African identification number on the National Traffic Information System. The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has a valid licence, and this will enable them to convert to a foreign driving licence in the country of current residence.

Please note:

The confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when presented to a law enforcement official.

THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL NOT CONVERT YOUR DRIVING LICENCE TO A UK ONE IF YOUR DRIVING LICENCE CARD HAS EXPIRED.

Process to follow:

Request the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) via email ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for a printout and Confirmation Letter of your driving licence. Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID, or a copy of your driving licence. Please remember to include the name of the country for which you will be using the driving licence confirmation letter.

The RTMC will, upon request, investigate, print a copy of the driving licence required and a Letter of Confirmation of the licence.  This letter reflects the date that the licence was first issued.

Kindly note that the person collecting the letter must provide acceptable identification and may also arrange for a courier to collect.

3. Location and Contacts

Confirmation letters are facilitated at:-

Address: Centurion Gate Business Park, Block A to D, 146 Akkerboom Street, Zwartkop 0157, Gauteng, South Africa

Telephone: +27 (12) 999 5200

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website:  www.rtmc.co.za

Surrender of a foreign licence

Section 15 (1) (e) of the National Road Traffic Act, Act no 93 of 1996 stipulates:

“A person shall be disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner's or driving licence if such licence relates to a class of motor vehicle which he or she may already drive under a licence held by him or her.”

For this reason, a person will be expected to hand in their foreign driving licence and international permit when such a licence or permit is converted to a South African driving licence.

Surrender of a foreign licence

A driving licence issued in any country other than South Africa is valid to drive within South Africa if:

• The foreign driving licence was issued on a date on which the holder had not been a permanent or ordinarily resident in South Africa.
• A person is a permanent resident in South Africa if they are a South African citizen or hold the right to permanently reside in South Africa based on an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs, and they reside in South Africa.
• A person is an ordinary resident in South Africa if they are in South Africa on an extended visit of more than three months on a contract of employment (not just visiting).
• The permanent residence requirement does not apply to a holder of a diplomatic permit or a treaty permit.
• The licence is in English, OR a translation of the licence in English is attached to the licence, OR a certificate of authenticity or validity in English, which was issued by a competent authority (e.g. the Embassy or Consulate) of the country concerned, is attached to the licence.
• The legislation does not prescribe who should attach a translation or a certificate of authenticity or validity to a driving licence, how it should be attached, or when it should have been attached.
• The legislation also does not prescribe that the translation should state the capacity of the vehicle the licence authorises.
• The code of the licence does not necessarily relate to a South African licence code and therefore should describe the capacity of the vehicle the licence authorises.
• The licence contains or has attached the photograph and signature of the holder.
• The legislation does not prescribe who should attach a photograph and signature to a driving licence, how it should be attached or when it should be attached.
• The rule of thumb here should be that if a licence does not have the holder’s photograph or signature contained on it, some other formal document like a passport that contains the person’s photograph, or signature should accompany the licence.

A foreign driving licence remains valid until:

• In the case where the holder of the foreign licence is a South African citizen or a person who already has permanent residence, the person returns to South Africa to resume permanent residence and has been a permanent resident for a continuous period of 1 year in South Africa.
• In the case of another person, the person obtains permission in terms of any law for permanent residence in South Africa and has taken up permanent residence and has been a permanent resident for a continuous period of 1 year in South Africa.
• The question is raised whether contract workers and visitors can be regarded as permanent residents in South Africa.
• If contract workers and visitors do not comply with the conditions, regardless of their length of stay in South Africa, they are not permanent residents in South Africa.
• The permanent residence requirement does not apply to a holder of a diplomatic permit or a treaty permit.

The holder of a foreign driving licence (excluding a provisional (or learners) licence) issued in a prescribed territory (the Southern African Development Community member states, including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania) as referred to above may drive:

• A motor vehicle of the appropriate class for own use.
• A motor vehicle for which a professional driving permit is required in South Africa if the foreign licence allows the person concerned to drive such a motor vehicle without any other authorisation in his/her territory.
• Should a further authorisation be required to drive such a motor vehicle in their country, then the person should also have such an authorisation with them when driving such a vehicle.
• Any document issued by a competent authority in any prescribed territory and serving in that territory a purpose like that of a professional driving permit shall, subject to the conditions thereof and to such conditions as may be prescribed, be deemed to be a professional driving permit for the Act.

A professional driving permit is required for the driving of:

• A goods vehicle, the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3,500 kilograms.
• A breakdown vehicle.
• A bus.
• A minibus.
• The gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3,500 kilograms, which is designed or adapted for the conveyance of 12 or more persons, including the driver.
• A motor vehicle used for the conveyance of persons for reward or is operated in terms of an operating licence issued under the NLTTA.
• A motor vehicle used for the conveyance of dangerous goods.
• A motor vehicle conveying 12 or more persons, including the driver.
• The holder of a foreign driving licence (excluding a provisional (or learners' licence) issued in any other country (excluding a prescribed territory) as referred to above may drive a motor vehicle of the appropriate class for own use. The person concerned may not drive a motor vehicle for which a professional driving permit is required.

Where can I go if I have a complaint about my driving licence test, as I am not satisfied with the answers of the testing centre and the Provincial Administration?

The matter must be referred to Mr. J. Mbele at (012) 309 3710 (office), (012) 309 3812 (fax), 083 680 7078 (cell) at the National Inspectorate for Driving Licence Testing Centres.

What is the procedure to follow when you are in prison and your driving licence is about to expire?

The National Road Traffic Act 1996 click here (Act No. 93 of 1996) stated “in the case of any person who was unable to apply for such a driving licence, due to him or her having been admitted to any medical facility or detained in any state institution in terms of an order issued or sentence imposed by a court of law, the date determined in that notice shall upon proof, submitted by any such person of the date of his or her discharge from such facility or, release from such institution, be deemed to be a date six months after the date of such discharge, release or return.” The above implies that you will be allowed to renew your driving licence card upon your release if you can present proof of incarceration and release.

How do I apply for a driving licence?

Before applying for a driving licence, you must have a valid learner's licence. You must be over the age of 18 before you can apply for a driving licence for a motor vehicle, and over the age of 16 to apply for a licence to operate a motorcycle (with an engine capacity of up to 125 cc).

When applying for a driving licence, you are required to complete the DL1 form and indicate which type of vehicle you would like to drive. This form must be submitted together with the following:

• Your ID document, any existing driving licences, four identical black and white photographs of yourself and the required fee.
• Your fingerprints will be taken, and you will be required to undergo an eye test. After your application has been processed, the driving licence testing centre will provide you with a date and time for your driving test.
• On the day of the test, you will be tested according to the K53 testing standard. You will be tested to ensure that you know and understand the road traffic signs, have a sound knowledge of the rules of the road and the different signals which a driver of a vehicle is required to give when driving on a public road and are generally capable of driving the type of vehicle specified on the application.
• If you pass the driving licence test, you will be issued with a temporary driving licence while your credit-card-format driving licence is produced.
• The driving licence testing centre will notify you when your licence is ready for collection.
• You need to produce your ID document when you collect the driving licence card.
• Licences not collected within 120 days are destroyed