Check your category first
You need a valid learner's licence. Choose the practical category for your vehicle: A1/A for motorcycles, B for light vehicles or C1/C for heavy rigid vehicles. These differ from learner Codes 1, 2 and 3; trailer and articulated categories have separate requirements.
- A1 practical test: at least 17 years old; motorcycle engine up to 125 cc.
- A practical test: at least 18; motorcycle engine above 125 cc.
- B and C1 applicants must be at least 18. Confirm the exact category and vehicle requirements with the DLTC.
From booking to test day
One step at a time. Open a card for the details.
Fee location: Confirm your location and current fees with your centre.
- 01
Find your booking route
What to do
- Use the province selector above to find your official booking route. Check that your chosen centre handles your exact test category.
- Choose an available appointment and follow the authority's confirmation instructions.
- 02
Prepare DL1 and your documents
What to do
- Bring your valid learner's licence, ID and proof of address.
- Check how many photographs your centre needs.
- Complete the DL1 application form.Open DL1 form
- Check the application fee and how your centre accepts payment.Check fees for your area
- 03
Confirm the appointment
What to do
- Pay any application fee still due and complete the required confirmation.
- Keep your receipt, appointment date and time.
- 04
Attend the practical test
What to do
- Bring your documents and a suitable test vehicle.
- Arrive at the stated appointment time.
- 05
After passing
What to do
- Complete the required eye and fingerprint procedures.
- Pay the issue fee.
- Follow your DLTC's card-collection instructions.
You receive a temporary licence while the card is prepared.
Check before test day
- Confirm that the centre tests your exact licence category.
- Arrange your test vehicle and check its document and roadworthiness requirements.
- Ask what to bring if you use glasses or contact lenses.
- Check the rules for cancellations, missed appointments or an unavailable vehicle.
practical-test preparation checklist
Practical categories differ from learner codes. Confirm the precise motorcycle, light or heavy category and test-vehicle requirements with the authority.
Need help with old and current licence codes?
Current codes and old licence names
Learner Codes 1, 2 and 3 are still current. They are separate from practical driving categories. A historic number is not a reliable substitute for the code and restrictions printed on a licence card.
| Vehicle | Learners | Drivers | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 1 | A1 / A | A1: up to 125 cc; A: above 125 cc. Roadbook provides assisted motorcycle practice. |
| Light vehicle | 2 | B / EB | Roadbook’s car course covers B. EB combinations and trailer training are separate; a B course does not include them. |
| Heavy vehicle | 3 | C1 / C / EC1 / EC | For rigid goods vehicles, C1 is above 3,500 kg up to 16,000 kg GVM; C is above 16,000 kg. EC1/EC cover specified combinations. Roadbook currently teaches a rigid Code C truck, not separate C1 or trailer courses. |
Still looking for Code 8, Code 10 or Code 14?
These are selected historical examples, not a complete conversion service. The 2010 amendment reproduces multiple date-dependent conversion columns. For an individual licence, ask the DLTC to interpret the current card, original issue history and restrictions.
| Old number | Historical reference | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Code 08 / 8 | EB in the historical conversion table | Do not automatically replace this with B. Historic light-vehicle authorisations can include combination rights that are not part of a new B course. |
| Code 10 | EC1 or EC in dated conversion columns | The historical result depends on original issue date and vehicle class. Today’s C1 and C are distinct rigid-vehicle categories; an informal Code 10 label is insufficient. |
| Code 14 | EC in the historical conversion table | This concerns heavy articulated authorisation. Roadbook’s rigid Code C truck course does not cover this trailer / articulated category. |
Official sources read 2026-10-19. The historical amendment is evidence of the dated conversion table, not a claim that it is the complete current consolidated law.
Sources & review
- South African Government: apply for a driving licence
- Western Cape Government: driving licence services
- Gauteng Roads and Transport: Smart Licensing Centre booking guidance (7 August 2026)
- RTMC: online test bookings in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Kariega (28 January 2024, PDF)
- City of Johannesburg: licensing service fees
- Greater Giyani Municipality: licensing service fees