What is a PDP license? PDP stands for Professional Driving Permit, no more tedious applications. Are you ready to get behind the wheel and hit the road? Look no further as we detail the entire process to successfully obtain your PDP license. A public driver’s license was formerly known as a public driver’s license. Getting a PDP just got a whole lot easier. All you have to do is meet the prescribed requirements and pay the required fees after completing the application form. 

Required if you want to carry passengers, goods, or dangerous goods in exchange for economic gain. A PDP driver’s license is a document in addition to a regular driver’s license. To legally drive a car on South African roads, you must have a professional driver’s license.

PDP requirements

To get your PDP South Africa or temporary PDP license, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. Have a valid driving license for the type of vehicle in question
2. Have been certified by an approved training body (only required for category D (dangerous goods) vehicles)
3. Have never had your driving license suspended
4. Have never been convicted of a criminal offense or have been lawfully required to pay an admission-of-guilt fine.
5. Do not have a criminal record for (in the past five years), including driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Driving a motor vehicle while the concentration of alcohol in your blood or breath exceeded a statutory limitation and, in the case of an application for a category P and D permit, an offense of which violence was an element.
6. If you become medically unfit or have any convictions under your name, you may face cancellation or suspension of your PDP.

Have been certified by a medical physician to be medically fit

PDP Application Form

1. Your Identity document (ID), valid driving license, or valid South African passport
2. A valid driving license holding the same code as that of the vehicle for which you are applying
3. A PDP Medical form or certificate which is only valid if it is not older than two months
4. Proof of postal and residential address such as a utility account. In the case where the utility invoice is not in your name, an affidavit is required where the owner of the bill declares that you currently reside at the stated premises/address. Make sure you attach this utility bill to the signed affidavit. In the case that you reside in an informal settlement, you will be required to produce a letter from the ward councilor, with an official stamp and date, confirming your postal address and residential address.
5. Additional professional driving permit or public driving permit that you hold.
6. Training certificate ( where applicable)
7. Four identical black and white photographs. Make sure you confirm with the DLTC how many photos are required before you take photographs.
8. Pay the stipulated fee. The application fees are deposited in the account

9. Make sure to complete the notification of change of address or particulars of person or organization (NCP) form. Additionally, an eye test will be carried out at the testing center. Alternatively, you can have your eyes tested by an optician and present your medical papers during the application.

10. After the completion of payment, you will be sent to the nearest police station to acquire a conviction report. The DLTC has a live capturing unit (LCU). There will be no need to physically go since the data will be sent electronically to the station.

You will be informed once the PDP card is ready to be collected. Make sure you carry with you your ID when going to collect your permit. Note that after 120 days, uncollected cards will be destroyed.

How long does it take to get a PDP license?

All permits will be available after a maximum of 12 weeks after a successful application.

How long is a PDP license valid for?

The PDP is valid for two years (24 months). The expiration date is indicated on the front of the card. After expiration, the renewal process is the same way as the first application.