Not a South African citizen but want your learner’s or driver’s licence here? Then you’ll need a Traffic Register Number (TRN) first. Here’s what it is and how to get one, in plain language.

What is a TRN?

South Africa’s licensing system (eNaTIS) uses your SA ID number to identify you. If you don’t have an SA ID, the system can’t recognise you, so you get a Traffic Register Number instead. It works like an ID number for all your traffic transactions.

In short: no SA ID number = you need a TRN before you can book your learner’s licence, driver’s licence test or register a car in your name.

Who needs a TRN?

Foreign nationals living, working or studying in South Africa who don’t have an SA ID
Foreigners who want to buy or register a vehicle in South Africa
Organisations that are not companies (like partnerships, sole proprietors, churches or trusts) that register vehicles

What to bring

Your valid passport (and a certified copy)
Your valid visa or permit: work, study or residence permit
Two ID photos (ask your office how many and what type)
Proof of address, like a utility or municipal bill. If it’s not in your name, bring an affidavit from the account holder with the bill attached.
Living in an informal settlement? A dated, stamped letter from your ward councillor confirming your address
Money for the fee (it differs between offices, so ask yours)

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to your registering authority

Visit your nearest vehicle registration or licensing office (registering authority). Some testing centres can help too, so call ahead.

2. Fill in the ANR form

Ask for the “Application and Notice in respect of Traffic Register Number” (ANR) form and complete it.

3. Hand in your documents and pay

Submit your passport, permit, photos and proof of address, then pay the fee.

4. Wait for your TRN

It can take up to 6 weeks. Keep your TRN safe: you will use it for your learner’s licence, driver’s licence and vehicle registration.

After you have your TRN

Now you can book your learner’s licence and later your driver’s licence test, just like a South African citizen, using your TRN instead of an ID number. Remember to bring your passport and TRN document every time you visit the testing centre.

We help foreign learners too

At 522 Driving School we train learners from all over Africa and beyond. Once you have your TRN, we take care of the rest:

Learner’s licence: study material, learners class, mock tests, booking and transport to write
Driver’s licence: Code 8, 10 and 14 lessons, e-NaTIS booking and our vehicle on test day
Not sure what you need? WhatsApp us your situation and we’ll tell you

READY TO START?

Got your TRN? Book your learner’s or driver’s licence 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 official government requirements. Rules, documents and fees can differ between offices and may change, so please confirm with your local registering authority before you go. Sources: gov.za: Apply for a traffic register number; City of Cape Town.

Traffic Register Number (TRN): How Foreigners Get a Licence in South Africa