If you’re looking to drive on public roads in South Africa while transporting goods, dangerous goods, or passengers for income, you must have a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
This permit is essential and issued in addition to your regular driver’s licence. It applies to specific motor vehicle categories, ensuring that drivers are adequately trained and certified to handle these responsibilities safely.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of applying for and renewing a PrDP, providing all the necessary steps and requirements.
Understanding the PrDP and Its Categories
A PrDP is a specialized permit designed for those involved in driving specific types of vehicles for income. These categories include:
- oods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3,500kg.
- Breakdown vehicles or buses.
- Minibuses weighing more than 3,500kg or designed to carry 12 or more people, including the driver.
- Light motor vehicles designated for carrying passengers for reward, such as taxi-cabs.
- Motor vehicles designed to carry 12 or more people.
- Any vehicle for which an operating licence is issued.
- Dangerous goods vehicles, such as fuel tankers.
Age Restrictions for PrDP Categories
Depending on the category, specific age restrictions apply:
- You should be 18 years or older to hold a PrDP for a goods vehicle.
- You should be 21 years or older to hold a PrDP for a passenger vehicle.
- You should be 25 years or older to hold a PrDP for a dangerous goods vehicle.
Prerequisites for Obtaining a PrDP
To obtain a PrDP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a valid driving licence for the specific type of vehicle you wish to drive.
- Be certified as medically fit by a doctor.
- Be certified by an approved training body (only required for category D – dangerous goods vehicles).
- Have a clean record, meaning you should not have any criminal convictions related to:
- Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
- Exceeding the statutory limitations for alcohol concentration in your blood or breath.
- Committing an offence involving violence, particularly for category P and D permits.
Responsibility as a PrDP Holder
If you are the operator or owner of a vehicle for which a PrDP is required, you may not allow another person to drive the vehicle on a public road unless they possess a valid PrDP for the appropriate category.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for and Renewing Your PrDP
Step 1: Visit Your Nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC)
Start the process by visiting your nearest DLTC. You’ll be required to complete the Application for Professional Driving Permit form (PD1).
NB. If you’re a Gauteng resident, you have the convenient option of applying online at https://online.natis.gov.za#/.
Step 2: Complete the Necessary Forms
At the DLTC, you’ll need to complete the following forms:
- Application for Professional Driving Permit form (PD1).
- Medical certificate application form (MC).
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents and Items
Before heading to the DLTC, ensure you have the following documents and items:
- Your identity document (ID), driving licence card, or valid South African passport.
- Four identical black-and-white photographs. Make sure to confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require before having them taken.
- A valid driving licence with the same code as the vehicle category you are applying for.
- Training certificate, if applicable.
- Medical certificate (only valid if not older than two months).
- Any other professional driving permit or public driving permit you currently hold.
- Proof of 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 reside at the address, and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address.
- The prescribed fee.
Step 4: Go for Eye Testing
During the process, you’ll undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you can choose to have an eye test performed by a qualified optometrist and then submit the results at the testing centre.
Step 5: Payment and Conviction Report
After making the required payment, you will be referred to the nearest police station to request a conviction report. If the DLTC has a live capturing unit (LCU), the report will be sent electronically to the police station. You must deposit the application fee into the provided bank account.
Bank details for depositing the application fee:
- Account name: Ideco AFISwitch (Pty) Ltd
- Bank: ABSA
- Branch: Business Banking Johannesburg North
- Account Type: Cheque
- Account number: 4074078548
- Branch code: 630256
- Reference: Fill in the ID number of the applicant as the reference.
Step 6: Collection of PrDP Card
Once the PrDP card is ready for collection, you will be informed. When collecting the card, be sure to take identification, such as an ID, with you. Keep in mind that any cards not collected within 120 days will be destroyed.
Processing Time and Cost Inquiries
Your PrDP may be ready within a maximum of 12 weeks. If you have any questions regarding the cost of obtaining or renewing your PrDP, contact your local licensing office for specific details.
Obtaining and renewing a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in South Africa is a vital process to ensure road safety and compliance when transporting goods, dangerous goods, or passengers for income. By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can acquire or renew your PrDP, allowing you to pursue your profession safely and responsibly on South African roads.