If this is the first time you will get your driving license, it may seem a bit overwhelming. But take heart. All you need to do is follow everything step by step, and before you know it, you’ve got your license.1 The whole point of the test is not to make life difficult for you but to make sure you can drive properly and know the road rules. Then you won’t endanger yourself and other motorists. Before booking for your driving license test, you need to do the following.
Obtain your learner’s license 1
You can’t book your driving license test without first obtaining a learner’s license. To get this license, you need to make a booking at a driving licensing testing centre (DLTC), where you must pass a theoretical test. To prepare for this test, you need to become familiar with all the road rules and understand what a K53 defensive driving system is. You need to know all the car controls, such as the gears, steering wheel, and footbrake, amongst other things. Finally, you need to know what each road sign means and the various road markings.
Learning how to drive for the first time 1
After obtaining your learner’s license, it’s time to hit the road, where you learn how to drive under the supervision of a licensed person. Practice makes perfect, they say. After a while, you start to feel confident to work all the car’s controls and practically understand the rules of the road. Your learner’s license lasts 24 months, so there is plenty of time to learn how to drive.
Preparing for the driving license test 1
Book a few lessons with a qualified instructor at a driving school, who will show you all you need to know for the test drive and warn you of any pitfalls. When you feel you are ready to go for the driving license test, it’s time to make a booking by taking the following steps.
Go to the nearest DLTC 1
To book your test date, you must visit the nearest DLTC, with the following documents. Bring your learner’s license, ID document and four identical black-and-white photographs. Make sure from the DLTC that four photographs are the correct number. Complete the online ‘Application for Driving License form’ (DL1), and provide proof of your postal and residential address, such as a municipal electricity account. The booking fee is about R220 – R300 but confirm with the DLTC. It’s essential to keep the receipt as proof of payment and as a confirmation of the test date and time.
Disclaimer
Car insurance is not straightforward, and that’s why this article can only serve as information. Remember to consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice before buying a car insurance product.
Once you’ve got your driving license, you’ll soon be driving either your parent’s car or your own. If you are driving a new car financed by a bank, you must obtain comprehensive car insurance. Find out more about Prime South Africa’s affordable, comprehensive car insurance with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and reduce to zero excess*. T and Cs apply.
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