How to Get Your PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) in South Africa

If you drive a taxi, work for Uber, Bolt, InDrive, or run a shuttle or bus service, you need more than a standard driver’s licence. You need a PrDP, a Professional Driving Permit, and operating without one can lead to your vehicle being impounded and a fine under the National Road Traffic Act.

This guide covers what a PrDP is, who needs one, what the categories mean, and exactly how to get yours sorted at your local DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre).

What is a PrDP?

A PrDP is a permit issued under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (Chapter 10). It sits on top of your regular driver’s licence and certifies that you meet additional health, character, and competency standards required to drive professionally.

It is not the same as a vehicle operating licence. The PrDP is tied to you as the driver, not the vehicle or the route.

PrDP categories: which one do you need?

There are three PrDP categories:

Category	What it covers
G	Goods - driving a goods vehicle (not passengers)
P	Passengers - carrying passengers for reward
D	Dangerous goods - transporting hazardous materials

Taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers, shuttle operators and bus drivers need the P category. If you carry both passengers and goods (for example in a minibus with luggage), the P category still applies. You can hold more than one category on a single PrDP.

Who is legally required to have a PrDP?

You need a PrDP if you drive any of the following for payment:

• A minibus taxi (more than 9 passengers, including the driver)
• An Uber, Bolt, InDrive or other e-hailing vehicle
• A metered taxi
• A bus or coach
• A vehicle transporting goods over 3 500 kg GVM (G category)
• A vehicle carrying dangerous goods (D category)

If you are an e-hailing driver without a PrDP, your commercial cover can be affected. A valid PrDP can affect your commercial cover position. Requirements differ by policy, so see what your TaxiSure e-hailing cover involves (subject to policy terms and exclusions).

Requirements for a PrDP (P category)

To apply for a P category PrDP, you need to meet these requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old (the minimum age for Category P)
• Hold a valid South African driver’s licence for the class of vehicle you intend to drive
• Have a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner (doctors test eyesight, hearing, and general fitness to drive)
• Provide a police clearance certificate confirming no relevant criminal convictions (required specifically for the P category, given that you will be responsible for passengers)
• Have a valid South African identity document (green barcoded ID or smart card)
• Provide proof of residential address (a utility bill or bank statement)

For the G category (goods only), the minimum age is 18, and a police clearance is not required. For the D category (dangerous goods), the minimum age is 25, and additional requirements may apply, so check with your DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre). For bus and minibus taxi routes specifically, it is worth checking with your DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) or operating licence authority whether any additional age requirement applies beyond the standard Category P minimum, as this can differ by operator and route.

How to apply - step by step

1. Get your medical certificate. Visit any registered general practitioner. Tell the doctor it is for a PrDP. They will assess your eyesight, hearing, reflexes and general health, and issue a certificate on the correct form (PrDP 1 or equivalent). Costs vary per practice.
2. Get your police clearance certificate. Apply at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station or online via the SAPS eFiling portal at www.saps.gov.za. Processing can take a few weeks, so apply early. The clearance must be recent — within 6 months is generally accepted, but confirm with your DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre).
3. Go to your nearest DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre). This is where PrDP applications are handled. Bring originals and certified copies of everything listed in the requirements above.
4. Complete the application form. The DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) will give you the correct form to fill in at the counter.
5. Pay the application fee. Fees are set by individual municipalities, so they vary across provinces, and there is no single published national amount. Confirm the current fee directly at your DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) before you go.
6. Have your photo taken. The PrDP includes your photograph, taken at the DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre).
7. Wait for processing. Processing times vary. Some DLTCs (Driving Licence Testing Centres) issue the permit on the same day; others take a few days. Ask at your counter.

Cost

PrDP fees are not nationally fixed. Each municipality sets its own tariffs, and the amounts quoted for the permit itself vary noticeably from one DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) to another. Some DLTCs (Driving Licence Testing Centres) also charge separately for the medical certificate form or admin costs.

Because there is no single national fee schedule, always confirm the current amount directly with your local DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) before visiting.

Validity and renewal

A PrDP is valid for two years from the date of issue. You must renew it before it expires. Driving on an expired PrDP is treated the same as driving without one.

For renewal, you will need to go through most of the same process again, including a new medical certificate and (for the P category) an updated police clearance. Start the renewal process at least 4 to 6 weeks before your expiry date to avoid any gap in your permit.

What happens if you drive without a PrDP?

Driving for reward without a valid PrDP is a criminal offence under the NRTA. Traffic authorities can impound your vehicle, issue a fine, and you may face prosecution. Beyond the legal risk, operating without a valid PrDP can affect your commercial insurance position, depending on your policy’s terms and conditions.

Get your TaxiSure cover sorted

Your PrDP is one part of being road-legal. The other part is having the right commercial cover behind you.

Call or WhatsApp TaxiSure on 062 179 0033

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to apply for a PrDP P category in South Africa?

You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a Category P PrDP, which covers the transport of passengers for reward. It is worth checking with your DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre) or operating licence authority whether any additional age requirement applies for bus or minibus taxi routes specifically, as this can vary by operator and route.

Do e-hailing drivers (Uber, Bolt, InDrive) need a PrDP?

Yes. Any driver carrying passengers for reward requires a Category P PrDP. This applies to all e-hailing platforms operating in South Africa.

How long is a PrDP valid for?

A PrDP is valid for two years from the date of issue. You need to renew it before it expires - the renewal process requires a new medical certificate and, for Category P, a current police clearance.

Do I need a police clearance for a PrDP?

Yes, for Category P (passengers). The clearance confirms you have no relevant criminal record. It is not required for Category G (goods only).

Where do I apply for a PrDP?

You apply at a DLTC (Driving Licence Testing Centre), which falls under your local municipality’s traffic department. Bring original documents and certified copies of all required paperwork.

Sources

• National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, Chapter 10 (Sections 32-37), the statutory framework for PrDP requirements in South Africa
• TaxiSure e-hailing cover

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Taxisure Risk Specialists (Pty) Ltd | Authorised Financial Services Provider | FSP 52693

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.