EVERYTHING you need to know to get your PDP

A Professional Driving Permit, or PDP, is the license issued to anyone who drives for a living. From e-hailing drivers who transport passengers for companies like Uber and Bolt, to commercial drivers who operate anything from buses, taxis and trucks, a PDP is essential to earning a living as a driver.

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Here we will explain everything you need to know to get a PDP in South Africa.

PDP: HOW DO I GET ONE?

Thankfully it’s very straightforward. All you have to do is meet the necessary requirements, complete the application form correctly, pay the fee, and wait for it to be processed.

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You can apply for your PDP appointment online on the eNatis website. This service is only operational in Gauteng for now, but other provinces will follow shortly. Then you will have to visit your local license testing centre to complete the process. You can download the application form for a Professional Driving Permit (PD1) ahead of time HERE.

• You will need your ID document.
• A valid driver’s license of the type you are applying for.
• A PDP medical form signed and stamped by a doctor saying you are in good health to drive. This cannot be more than two months old.
• Proof of residence, eg. A utility bill with you name on it.
• Any previous PDP or driving certificates in your possession.
• 4 identical black and white ID photos.
• You will undergo an eye test at the test centre.
• Pay the application fee. The application fee is R94 and the issue fee is R204.
• After this, the license authority will check if you have a conviction report or criminal record. This happens through DLTC live capturing or you may be sent to the nearest police station to acquire the conviction report.
• You must have a clean driving record, never have been arrested while driving or convicted for driving under the influence.
• You must be 18 years or older to operate a goods vehicle. 21 years or older to hold a PDP to transport passengers. 25 years or older to hold a hazardous goods license.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT FOR MY PDP?

Now that you’re done, you typically need to wait 12 weeks. After which you will receive an SMS to go to the testing centre you made the application at to collect the PDP using your ID.

FAQ: How do I change ownership of a vehicle?

Unlike regular driver’s licenses, PDPs are only valid for two years, so have to be renewed twice as regularly. And each renewal requires you to go through the process we’ve just explained.

IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE ONE OF THESE, YOU NEED A PDP

• A breakdown vehicle.
• A light motor vehicle to transport passengers for a fee.
• A special industry vehicle with an operating license.
• A goods vehicle over 3 500 kg.
• A minibus that carries more than 12 passengers or is over 3 500 kg.
• A dangerous goods truck like a fuel or LPG tanker. This requires extra certification from a training body.

ALSO READ: Vehicle license renewal fees EXPLAINED

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LICENSE CENTRES HERE

• City of Johannesburg
• City of Tshwane
• City of Cape Town
• Nelson Mandela Bay
• Eastern Cape municipalities
• Free State municipalities
• Gauteng municipalities
• KwaZulu-Natal municipalities
• Limpopo municipalities
• Mpumalanga municipalities
• North West municipalities
• Northern Cape municipalities
• Western Cape municipalities

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