Professional Driving Permit Guide

A Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is required to drive commercial vehicles carrying passengers or goods for reward in South Africa. Understanding PDP requirements, application process, renewal, and fees helps you obtain and maintain a valid PDP. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about professional driving permits.

What Is a Professional Driving Permit?

Understanding PDP

Professional Driving Permit (PDP):

• Required for commercial vehicle drivers
• Needed for passenger transport (taxis, buses)
• Required for goods transport (trucks, delivery vehicles)
• Additional to regular driver's license
• Valid for specific period

When Required:

• Driving taxis
• Driving buses
• Driving trucks for reward
• Transporting passengers for payment
• Commercial goods transport

Requirements

Basic Requirements

To Apply for PDP, You Need:

1. Valid Driver's License: Appropriate code for vehicle type
2. Medical Certificate: From registered medical practitioner
3. Identity Document: Original South African ID
4. Proof of Address: Utility bill or bank statement
5. Application Form: Complete PrDP form
6. Payment: Application fee

Additional Requirements:

• Clean criminal record (may be required)
• No serious traffic violations
• Meet medical fitness standards
• Appropriate driver's license code

Application Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get Medical Certificate

• Visit registered medical practitioner
• Complete medical examination
• Get medical certificate
• Certificate valid for specific period

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Collect all required documents
• Get medical certificate
• Prepare proof of address
• Complete application form

Step 3: Apply at Traffic Department

• Visit traffic department
• Submit application
• Provide documents
• Pay application fee

Step 4: Receive PDP

• Processing takes 4-6 weeks
• Collect PDP when ready
• Verify details are correct
• Keep PDP safe

PDP Renewal

Renewal Process

Renewal Requirements:

• Valid driver's license
• New medical certificate
• Proof of address
• Application form
• Payment

Renewal Timeline:

• Renew before expiry
• Can renew up to 4 months before
• Don't let expire
• Renew promptly

Fees

Current Fees (2026)

PDP Fees:

• Application Fee: R228-R250
• Medical Certificate: Doctor's fee (separate)
• Renewal Fee: R228-R250
• Total: R228-R250 + medical fee

Payment Methods:

• Cash
• Debit/credit card
• Check with traffic department

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a professional driving permit?

A Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is required to drive commercial vehicles carrying passengers or goods for reward in South Africa. It's additional to your regular driver's license.

Who needs a PDP?

Anyone driving commercial vehicles for reward needs a PDP, including taxi drivers, bus drivers, truck drivers, and delivery vehicle drivers.

How do I apply for a PDP?

Get medical certificate, gather required documents (ID, proof of address, driver's license), visit traffic department, complete application form, pay fee, and collect PDP in 4-6 weeks.

How much does a PDP cost?

PDP application fee is R228-R250 in 2026, plus medical certificate fee (doctor's fee, separate). Total cost is approximately R228-R250 + medical fee.

How long is a PDP valid?

PDP validity varies, typically 2-5 years. Check your PDP for expiry date and renew before expiry.

Conclusion

A Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is required for commercial vehicle drivers. Application requires valid driver's license, medical certificate, ID, proof of address, application form, and payment (R228-R250). Get medical certificate first, gather documents, apply at traffic department, and collect PDP in 4-6 weeks. Renew before expiry with new medical certificate. Understanding PDP requirements helps you obtain and maintain a valid professional driving permit.