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How to book and pass your learner's licence test

The learner's licence test is the first step to a driver's licence in South Africa. Here is who may apply, what to take, how the test works and how to study so that you pass.

Who may apply

You must be at least 17 to apply for a Code 2 learner's licence, which is the one for cars and bakkies. For Code 3, heavy vehicles, you must be at least 18. You must be medically fit to drive, so be honest on the form about any condition that could affect your driving. The testing centre may ask for a doctor's report.

What to take

Requirements differ a little from centre to centre, so ask yours before you go. In general, take:

• your ID book or smart ID card (a foreign national takes a passport and a valid permit);
• ID photos, if the centre asks for them; many centres take the photo themselves;
• proof of address, if the centre asks for it;
• the fee, in the way the centre accepts payment; some take cards only;
• your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them.

Take more proof rather than less. People are sent home every day for one missing paper.

How to book

You can book in two ways:

1. In person at a driving licence testing centre. Arrive early, because queues are long at month-end and in school holidays.
2. Online, through the national online booking service, where your province and centre use it. You create a profile, choose the test and the centre, pick a date and pay.

Keep your booking confirmation and check the date, time, centre and code on it. Ignore "agents" outside centres and on social media who offer to book for a fee or to guarantee a pass. A guarantee is a warning sign.

How the test works

The test has three sections:

1. Rules of the road.
2. Road signs, markings and signals.
3. Vehicle controls.

The questions are multiple choice, on paper or on a computer. Each section has its own pass mark, and you must reach it in every section. A high score in signs does not make up for a low score in rules. The number of questions and the pass marks are set nationally and can change, so ask your centre for the current figures.

You also take an eye test at the centre. If you need glasses to pass it, your licence will say that you must wear them whenever you drive.

How to study

Give yourself about three weeks, with a short session every day.

• Understand the reason behind each rule. When you know why, you remember it.
• Test yourself: cover the answer and say it aloud, or draw the signs from memory.
• Use practice questions to find what you do not know, not to memorise answers.
• As a passenger, name every sign and marking you pass.
• Sleep properly the night before.

Be careful with free test questions from unknown websites and groups. Many are outdated or wrong. If one disagrees with the official material, trust the official material.

On the day, and afterwards

Arrive early with your ID, your booking confirmation and your glasses. Read every question to the end; small words like "not", "except" and "only" change the answer. When you pass, check every detail on your learner's licence. It is valid for 24 months.

If you do not pass, ask which section you failed, study that section and book again. Many people need two attempts.

This article is based on Chapter 2 of Getting Your Driver's Licence, which also covers the rules, the signs, the K53 method and both parts of the driving test.