What to expect when doing your driver’s licence test
Going for your driver's licence can be a daunting experience.Here are some tips and things you can expect.
If you are on your way to university this year, that probably means you are old enough to get your driver’s licence.
In South Africa, getting a driver’s licence might just be one of the most important things you need when it comes to job hunting.
If you are worried and do not know how the process works, here are some tips:
By now you should have written your learner’s and passed it. Hopefully you had a few lessons from a driving school.
Your next step is to book an appointment for your driver’s test. This can be done on the Natis website (https://online.natis.gov.za/#/). You just fill in your details, choose a testing station close to you and pick an available date and time.
“When I went to renew my driver’s licence I had trouble getting an available time and date at first. I realised that you have to go onto the site every now and again as the system updates continually throughout the day. Just keep trying, you will get one,” journalist Natasha Pretorius said.
What to take with you:
* Your learner’s licence.
* Your identity document (ID).
* Four identical black-and-white photographs (first confirm how many photos they require before you have photos taken, as these sometimes differ).
* Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. (If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.)
* If you stay in an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address.
* A booking fee (ranges between R132 and R345).
On the day of your test, make sure you arrive on time. I suggest going a bit early and maybe filling in the DL1 form beforehand. Take your ID, learner’s licence and about R300 with you on the day.
If you pass, it’s off to eye tests, fingerprints and a temporary licence until the real thing is issued.
https://www.getyourdrivers.co.za/ is a great site for free advice and tips on how to get your driver’s licence the first time. There are also tips on pre-inspections, the road test, the yard test and vehicle controls.
Good luck!
