Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and you find yourself in need of a temporary driving licence in South Africa. Whether you’ve applied for the renewal of your expired licence or have unfortunately lost your driver’s license, the process to secure a temporary driving licence is a straightforward one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get you back on the road legally with a temporary driver’s licence.
Understanding a Temporary Driving Licence
A temporary driving licence is a short-term solution that allows you to continue driving legally under certain circumstances. It’s a bridge between your expired or lost driver’s license and the full renewal or replacement process. This type of licence is valid for a temporary period of six months and can be issued at any Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
Step 1: Gather the Required Documentation
Before you head to your nearest DLTC, ensure you have the following essential documents and items with you:
- A certified copy of your identity document (ID) or temporary ID.
- Proof of both your postal and residential address, such as a 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 reside in an informal settlement, obtain a letter with an official date stamp from your ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address.
- Four identical black-and-white photographs (be sure to confirm the quantity with the DLTC before having the photos taken).
- The prescribed fee for the temporary driving licence.
- If you’re a resident of Gauteng, you can also opt to apply online at here.
Step 2: Completing the Required Forms
At the DLTC, you’ll need to complete the following forms:
- Application for a driving licence (DL1) form.
- Notification of a change of address or particulars of a person or organization (NCP) form.
Step 3: Undergo an Eye Test
As part of the process, you’ll be required to undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you can choose to have your eyes tested by a qualified optometrist and then submit the test results form at the DLTC.
Step 4: Immediate Issuance of Temporary Driving Licence
The good news is that a temporary driving licence is issued on the same day, ensuring that you can quickly resume legal driving without unnecessary delays.
Step 5: Inquiries on Costs
If you’re curious about the cost of obtaining a temporary driving licence, contact your local licensing office for specific details
In conclusion, securing a temporary driving licence in South Africa is a practical solution when your driver’s licence renewal is in process or if you’ve lost your original licence. By following these straightforward steps and ensuring you have the necessary documentation, you can easily acquire a temporary driver’s licence.