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How to choose a driving school in South Africa
Before a driving school can teach you on a public road, you need a learner's licence. Here is what to sort out first, and what to ask a driving school before you pay for lessons.
Before your first lesson
- Get your learner's licence first. You need a learner's licence before you can legally be trained to drive on a public road.
- Pick the right code. Code 1 for motorcycles (from 16), code 2 for cars and light vehicles up to 3 500 kg (from 17, leading to a Code 8 / B driving licence), and code 3 for heavy vehicles (from 18, leading to Code 10 or Code 14).
- Always drive with a licensed person next to you. A learner may only drive under the direct supervision of someone who holds a driving licence for that class of vehicle.
- Watch the clock. Your learner's licence is valid for 24 months, so plan your lessons and book your driving test before it expires.
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Questions to ask a driving school
- Is the instructor registered as a driving instructor? Ask to see proof.
- Do they teach the K53 method? The driving test is done the K53 way, so lessons should be too.
- Is the car dual-controlled, with a second brake pedal for the instructor?
- Can you use their car for the driving test, and what does that cost?
- What is included in a package (number of lessons, length of each lesson, test-day booking help), and what happens if you need extra lessons?
- Where do lessons start, and can they fetch you from home, school or work?
How to save on lessons
- Pass your learner's the first time. Failing means paying the booking fee again and waiting for a new date before lessons can start.
- Learn the rules and signs before you get in the car. Lessons are expensive; use them for driving skills, not for learning what a sign means.
- Practise between lessons with a licensed family member or friend next to you.
After your lessons
- Book your driving licence test at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while your learner's licence is still valid.
- Bring your learner's licence and ID, and a roadworthy vehicle of the right class (many people use their driving school's car).
Run a driving school? Phasa gives your learners a practice app for the learner's test and pays partner schools a commission on every learner who signs up with your link. Email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a learner's licence before driving lessons?
Yes. You need a learner's licence before you can legally be trained to drive on a public road.
How old must I be for driving lessons in South Africa?
You need a learner's licence first: 16 for a motorcycle (code 1), 17 for a car or light vehicle (code 2) and 18 for heavy vehicles (code 3).
Can my parent teach me to drive?
Yes, as long as they hold a driving licence for that class of vehicle and sit next to you while you drive on your learner's licence.
How long is a learner's licence valid?
24 months from the day you pass the test, so book your driving test before then.
Sources
Everything on this page comes from these official documents. Phasa is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Transport or the RTMC.