Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) handle learner’s licence tests, driving tests, driver’s licence renewals and professional driving permits. They are run by municipalities and provincial authorities, and most require a booking.
Finding a testing centre
DLTC contact details and booking arrangements are published by the municipality or provincial authority that runs each centre, and they differ from one centre to the next. Get them from the responsible authority’s own official website rather than a third-party listing, since booking systems and requirements change.
| City of Cape Town, motor vehicle queries | 0860 103 089, Call Centre Option 4, Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:00 |
| City of Tshwane | 012 358 9999, or 080 111 1556 toll-free |
| City of Ekurhuleni | 0860 543 000 |
| eThekwini (Durban) | 031 311 1111 |
Sources: capetown.gov.za, tshwane.gov.za, ekurhuleni.gov.za and durban.gov.za.
Licensing office or testing centre
These are usually different facilities. Vehicle licence renewals and motor vehicle registration are handled at licensing offices. Learner’s and driver’s licence tests and renewals happen at a DLTC. Going to the wrong one is a common wasted trip.
Booking and waiting times
Driving test slots at busy centres are often booked out well in advance, so book as early as you can and do not leave a licence renewal to the last weeks before expiry. Confirm what the centre requires when you book, including which payment methods it accepts, since this varies between centres.
What to take
- Your identity document
- Proof of residential address
- Your existing licence or learner’s licence, where applicable
- Your booking confirmation
- A means of payment the centre accepts
Confirm the exact requirements with the specific centre before travelling, since they differ and an incomplete set of documents usually means being turned away.
Avoid unofficial agents
Be cautious of anyone outside a testing centre offering to secure a booking, guarantee a pass or fast-track a licence for a fee. Book and pay through the official channels only, and never hand your identity document to an unofficial intermediary. Paying for a licence outcome is bribery, and a licence obtained that way is not lawfully held.
Related pages
- Licensing department contact details
- Traffic department contact details
- Traffic fines contact number
- Municipal service contact details
FAQs
- Can I renew a driver’s licence at a licensing office? Usually no. Driver’s licences are handled at a DLTC, while licensing offices handle vehicle licences.
- Do I need a booking? Most centres require one, and slots at busy centres go well in advance.
- Someone offered to arrange a licence for a fee. Is that legitimate? No. Book and pay through official channels only.