Foreigners who need Drivers License in South Africa

 If you are a foreigner and you want to obtain your Drivers License in South Africa, you can do so by registering at the nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Firstly you will need to do a Learners License test and then a Drivers License test. There are certain documentation requirements when applying for this. You will also need to do an eye test at the testing centre.

Learners License

The Learners Licence is a theory test whereby you will be tested on your knowledge concerning road rules, road signs and vehicle controls. You will need the following to apply for your Learners License:

• Passport (original + copy)
• TRN Certificate (original + copy)
• 2x ID Photos
• Booking fee (This fee differ from each Province in South Africa)

Drivers License

The Drivers License test is a practical test and you will be evaluated on your parking capabilities and the handling of road traffic situations.

You will need the following to apply for your Drivers License:

• Passport (original + copy)
• TRN Certificate (original + copy)
• Learners License (original + copy)
• 4x ID Photos
• Booking fee (This fee differ from each Province in South Africa)

Traffic Registration Number (TRN)

In order to receive a (TRN), you need to have a valid passport. You can apply for a (TRN) at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC) and complete the form application and notice in respect of traffic register number (ANR).

You will need the following documentation to apply for the (TRN):

• Valid PASSPORT (original + copy)
• Valid VISA (original + copy) must be valid for at least 6 months
• Proof of residence (original + copy)
• 2x ID Photos (black & white)

About applying for a traffic register number

A traffic register number is the main identification number accepted for road traffic transactions on the eNaTIS for foreigners and organisations that serves as a non-legal person.

If you are a foreigner and not yet registered on the eNaTIS (National Transport Information System) and you want to buy or register a motor vehicle in South Africa, you must produce your foreign identification document to be introduced onto the eNaTIS.

If you do not have a foreign identification document, you will need to apply for a traffic register number (TRN), provided you have a valid passport, driving licence or a travel document that provides proof that you are legally in South Africa.

If you are an organisation that serves as a non-legal person e.g. a partnership, a one-man business, a municipal/provincial/government authority, a church/congregation/welfare organisation, a recreational organisation, an educational organisation, a trust or a statutory body, you must also apply for a traffic register number to register motor vehicles in South Africa. The organisation must also identify a representative for every branch or separate address of the business/organisation. This person serves as the contact person for administration purposes.

In addition, a proxy must be appointed by means of a letter of proxy. The letter of proxy authorises the identified natural person to act on behalf of the organisation, and binds the organisation for purposes of the NRTA (National Road Traffic Act) and NRTR (National Road Traffic Regulations). 

The proxy and the representative can be the same person.  The proxy and the representative must also present an appropriate identification document:

• An RSA identity document issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) if the person is an RSA citizen, or a non-RSA citizen who permanently resides in the RSA.
• A temporary identity certificate issued by the DoHA if the person is an RSA citizen, or a non-RSA citizen who resides permanently in the RSA.
• An RSA passport from which the ID number can be obtained.
• An identity document issued by a foreign country, if the person is a non-RSA citizen who does not reside permanently in the RSA.
• A TRN certificate issued by the appropriate registering authority (RA) if the person is a non-RSA citizen who does not reside permanently in the RSA, and who does not have a foreign identity document, but who has a passport or travel document 

What you should do

1. Go to the nearest registering authority (RA) and complete the form Application and notice in respect of traffic register number (ANR).
2. If you are applying for a traffic register number as a foreigner who wants to buy or register a motor vehicle in South Africa, you must submit the following:
   • A certified copy of your passport or a certified copy of your driver license and temporary residence permit or travel document
   • Two black-and-white ID photographs (confirm with the RA or DLTC how many photos is required).
   • Proof of address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live 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 residential address
3. If you are applying for a traffic register number because you want to personalise the number plate of a vehicle owned by your organisation, you must submit the following:
   • the business registration certificate (issued by the registrar of companies) 
   • a copy of the proxy or representative's South African ID.
4. Pay the prescribed fee.

How long does it take

It may take up to six weeks to process your application.

How much does it cost

Contact your registering authority (RA) for the cost of the Traffic register number certificate.

Forms to complete

The Application and notice in respect of traffic register number form is available at the registering authority.