How Long Does a New Driver's License Take to Arrive
How long do you need to wait for your driver's license?
The question on every new driver's lips is probably this one: How soon can I start driving after I've passed my driving test?
Published: 9 February 2018, 06:50
Welcome to your driving life!
Once you have passed the test, you will be given a temporary paper license, and as soon as you have this piece of paper in your hand, you can start driving. You will need to pay a fee for the Driver License Testing Centre (DLTC) to issue this to you. Now, every time you get in behind the wheel of your (or any) car, this piece of paper has to accompany you.
Your official driver's license card (the one that fits into your wallet so nicely) will be ready for collectionin about four to six weeks. If all goes well, you will be notified when you can pick it up from the DLTC. In some instances, the DLTC will mail it to you, but make sure you know beforehand by asking the relevant person(s) there.
How long is my license valid for?
A driver's license is valid for five years, and must be renewed at least a month before it expires, but because of issues with the eNatis online booking system (click here to be taken straight there), it's recommended that you give yourself enough time; some people struggle for months to get a booking. Residents outside of Gauteng and the Eastern Cape don't have to use this system, fortunately.
The good news is that you do not need to re-take the driving test, but you will have to undergo an eye test just to be sure that you can still see properly, and that you don't pose an unnecessary risk to other road users. If your eyesight has deteriorated, the DLTC may attach new conditions to your license.
You can save yourself some time by having an eye test done at an optometrist and bringing the relevant paperwork with you. You will also be required to have fingerprints taken at the DLTC.
Renewing your license? Here's what to take with you
If your license is still valid, you'll need to present the following documentation along with your application:
- Your ID book/card, temporary ID, or passport
- A copy of your ID
- Your current driver's license
- Four ID photos
- R228* for your renewal fee
- Proof of residence (utilities bill, telephone bill, home rental contract, or affidavit from your landlord along with their utilities bill)
If your license has already expired, it will set you back an extra R72* for a temporary license, along with two extra ID photos. However, if you apply for renewal before your old license expires, you won't need the temporary license, as your old one's validity will be extended for an extra 3 months. You will also wait four to six weeks. Just bear in mind that we are in uncertain times, and delays are possible.
*Costs for temporary and or permanent licenses appear to vary between licensing centres throughout Gauteng (which is also more expensive than the rest of SA), so rather take along some extra cash just to be sure. The above-mentioned prices are just a ballpark figure; pricing at each DLTC is different. We suggest that you call the DLTC before you go, to find out exactly how much money you need to bring, rather than going to all that trouble and standing in a queue all day, just to be told you have insufficient funds.
For more info on where to go and how much it costs in different regions, please click here.
How Long Does a New Driver's License Take to Arrive
Source: https://www.autotrader.co.za/cars/news-and-advice/buying-a-car/how-long-do-you-need-to-wait-for-your-drivers-license/1569