Want to drive a truck, bus, taxi or delivery vehicle for a living? Then a normal driver’s licence is not enough. In South Africa you also need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). Here is everything you need to know, in plain language.

What is a PrDP?

A PrDP is a permit you get on top of your driver’s licence. It shows that you are allowed to drive certain vehicles on public roads to carry goods or passengers for money. It is often still called a “PDP”, which was the old name.

Vehicle owners may not let anyone drive their vehicle on a public road without a valid PrDP for that type of vehicle, so many employers ask for it before they hire you.

Who needs one?

You need a PrDP if you drive any of these on a public road:

A goods vehicle heavier than 3,500 kg (for example most trucks)
A bus or a breakdown vehicle (tow truck)
A minibus, or any vehicle made to carry 12 or more people including the driver
A car used as a taxi to carry passengers for money (this includes e-hailing)
Any vehicle that needs an operating licence
A vehicle carrying dangerous goods, like a fuel tanker

The 3 types of PrDP

G · GOODS

18+

For trucks and goods vehicles. Minimum age 18.

P · PASSENGERS

21+

For buses, taxis, minibuses and e-hailing. Minimum age 21.

D · DANGEROUS GOODS

25+

For fuel tankers and other dangerous goods. Minimum age 25, plus a training certificate.

Can I apply?

You can apply if you:

Have a valid driver’s licence for the type of vehicle you want to drive (for example Code 10 or Code 14 for heavy trucks)
Are medically fit, confirmed by a doctor
Have had no conviction for drunk driving in the past 5 years (and, for P and D permits, no conviction for a violent offence)

Good to know: your fingerprints are checked against police records when you apply. If you have a criminal record, speak to the testing centre before you apply.

What to bring

Your ID (or ID card / valid SA passport)
Your valid driver’s licence
A medical certificate signed by a doctor, not older than 2 months
ID photos (ask your testing centre how many)
Proof of address, like a municipal or utility bill. If it’s not in your name, bring an affidavit from the account holder.
Your old PrDP or PDP, if you have one
A training certificate, only for dangerous goods (D)
Money for the fee (fees differ between testing centres, so check with yours)

How to apply, step by step

1. Get your medical certificate

Visit a doctor and have them complete the medical form (MC). It must be less than 2 months old when you apply.

2. Book or go to your testing centre (DLTC)

Fill in the application form (PD1). In Gauteng, PrDP applications are booked online on the NaTIS online booking system before you go in.

3. Eye test, fingerprints and payment

You do an eye test, your fingerprints are taken for the police record check, and you pay the fee.

4. Wait for your card

It can take up to 12 weeks. You’ll be told when it’s ready. Collect it with your ID within 120 days, or it will be destroyed.

How long is a PrDP valid?

A PrDP is valid for 2 years. The expiry date is printed on your card. Renew it before it expires, in the same way as your first application, including a new medical certificate.

First get the right licence

Most PrDP jobs, like truck driving, need a Code 10 or Code 14 licence first. That’s where 522 Driving School comes in. We train you, help with the bookings, take you to the testing centre and give you our truck on test day.

Code 10 (trucks up to 16,000 kg): our most popular route into truck driving jobs
Code 14 (articulated trucks and heavy combinations): for long-distance and heavy freight jobs
PDP help: ask us and we’ll guide you through the PrDP process once you have your licence

READY TO DRIVE FOR A LIVING?

Start with your Code 10 or Code 14 at 522 Driving School, in Pretoria CBD or Ivory Park, Midrand.

WhatsApp 072 974 8440 See our packages

This guide is for general information, based on the official government requirements. Rules and fees can change, so please confirm with your local driving licence testing centre before you apply. Source: gov.za: Apply for a professional driving permit.

PrDP in South Africa: Who Needs It, What to Bring and How to Apply (2026 Guide)