How to Apply for Learner's License (2026)
A learner's license is the first step to obtaining your driver's license in South Africa. Understanding the application process, requirements, test preparation, and how to pass helps you successfully obtain your learner's license. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a learner's license.
What Is a Learner's License?
Understanding Learner's License
A Learner's License:
- Allows you to learn to drive
- Required before driver's test
- Valid for 24 months (2 years)
- Must be held for minimum period before driver's test
- Different codes for different vehicle types
Purpose:
- Learn driving skills
- Practice under supervision
- Prepare for driver's test
- Legal requirement for learning
Requirements
Basic Requirements
To Apply for Learner's License, You Need:
- Age Requirement: Minimum 17 years old
- Identity Document: Original South African ID
- Proof of Address: Utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months)
- Two ID Photos: Recent passport-sized photos
- Application Form: Complete LL1 form
- Payment: Application and test fee
Age Requirements
Minimum Age:
- Code B (Car): 17 years old
- Code A (Motorcycle): 16 years old
- Code C (Heavy Vehicle): 18 years old
- Check specific age for your license code
Required Documents
Essential Documents
1. Identity Document
- Original South African ID
- Certified copy of ID
- Must be valid and current
2. Proof of Address
- Utility bill (electricity, water, rates)
- Bank statement
- Lease agreement
- Not older than 3 months
- Must show your name and address
3. Two ID Photos
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Clear and professional
- Meet photo requirements
- Some provinces may take digital photos
4. Application Form (LL1)
- Available at traffic department
- Can download from provincial website
- Complete in black ink
- Sign form
5. Payment
- Application fee: R108-R120
- Test fee: Included or separate
- Check current fees
- Cash or card payment
Application Process
Step 1: Study for Test
Test Preparation:
- Study K53 manual
- Learn road signs
- Understand traffic rules
- Practice test questions
- Use online practice tests
- Study regularly
Test Content:
- Road signs (40 questions)
- Rules of the road (30 questions)
- Vehicle controls (10 questions)
- Total: 80 questions
- Must score 68/80 (85%) to pass
Step 2: Book Test
Booking Methods:
Online Booking:
- Visit provincial traffic department website
- Navigate to learner's license booking
- Select date and time
- Choose testing center
- Confirm booking
Phone Booking:
- Call traffic department
- Provide ID number
- Book preferred date and time
- Get booking reference
Walk-In:
- Visit traffic department
- Queue for booking
- Longer waiting times
- Not recommended
Step 3: Attend Test
On Test Day:
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring all required documents
- Present ID and booking confirmation
- Complete test (computer-based)
- Get results immediately
- If passed, proceed to application
- If failed, can rebook
Test Duration:
- Test takes 45-60 minutes
- Computer-based test
- Multiple choice questions
- Results available immediately
Step 4: Apply for License
If You Pass:
- Complete LL1 form
- Submit documents
- Pay application fee
- Provide fingerprints
- Have photo taken
- Receive learner's license immediately
Processing:
- License issued same day
- Valid for 24 months
- Keep license safe
- Can start learning to drive
Test Preparation
Study Resources
Study Materials:
- K53 manual (official guide)
- Online practice tests
- Mobile apps
- Study guides
- Traffic department resources
Key Topics:
- Road signs (all types)
- Traffic rules
- Right of way
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- Vehicle controls
Practice Tests
Online Practice:
- Provincial traffic department websites
- Third-party practice sites
- Mobile apps
- Practice regularly
- Test your knowledge
Learner's License Validity
Validity Period
Standard Validity:
- Valid for: 24 months (2 years)
- Minimum Holding Period: 6-12 months (varies by province) before driver's test
- Expiry: Must use before expiry
- Renewal: Can renew if expired
Important:
- Must hold for minimum period
- Check provincial requirements
- Don't let expire before driver's test
- Renew if needed
Fees
Current Fees (2026)
Application Fees:
- Application Fee: R108-R120
- Test Fee: Included or R50-R80 separate
- Total: R158-R200
Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Debit/credit card
- Check with traffic department
Tips for Success
Passing the Test
- Study Thoroughly: Study K53 manual completely
- Practice Regularly: Use practice tests
- Know Road Signs: Memorize all road signs
- Understand Rules: Learn traffic rules well
- Arrive Early: Arrive 30 minutes before test
- Stay Calm: Remain calm during test
- Read Carefully: Read questions carefully
- Manage Time: Use time wisely
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a learner's license?
Study for test, book test appointment online or by phone, attend test, pass test (score 68/80), complete application form, submit documents, pay fee, and receive learner's license.
What age do I need to be?
Minimum age is 17 years for Code B (car), 16 years for Code A (motorcycle), and 18 years for Code C (heavy vehicle).
How long is a learner's license valid?
Learner's license is valid for 24 months (2 years) from date of issue.
How much does a learner's license cost?
Application and test fees total approximately R158-R200 in 2026, depending on province.
What score do I need to pass?
You need to score 68 out of 80 questions (85%) to pass the learner's license test.
Conclusion
Applying for a learner's license requires studying the K53 manual, booking a test appointment, passing the test (68/80), completing application, and paying fees. Study thoroughly, practice with online tests, know road signs and traffic rules, and arrive prepared on test day. Learner's license is valid for 24 months and allows you to learn to drive under supervision. Understanding the process helps you successfully obtain your learner's license and begin your journey to a full driver's license.
