A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) is the licence add-on that lets you drive professionally. There are three categories:
- G (Goods): required for driving any vehicle over 3,500 kg carrying goods for hire or reward
- P (Passengers): required for taxis, buses, school transport, Uber operators
- D (Dangerous goods): required for fuel tankers, chemical trucks, anything carrying hazardous material
Who needs each one
- Truck driver hauling freight: G
- Bus driver: P (often P + G)
- Tanker driver: G + D
- Uber driver: P
Requirements to apply
- A valid driver's licence for the relevant code (Code B for P only, Code C1 / C for G, etc.)
- Age: 18+ for G, 21+ for P, 25+ for D
- SAPS clearance certificate (no criminal record for relevant offences)
- Medical certificate
- Recent passport photos and proof of residence
- Application fee (currently around R350 per category)
The application process
- Get the SAPS clearance, takes 4-6 weeks
- Get the medical from an approved doctor, usually same-day
- Apply at your provincial DLTC with the above documents
- PrDP card issued 4-6 weeks later
Renewal
Every 2 years. Same documents, same fee, same SAPS clearance.
Find schools offering Code C1 and Code EC training in our truck driving schools directory.
Frequently asked
- Do I need a PrDP to drive a delivery bakkie?
- If you're driving someone else's goods for hire or reward, yes. If you're driving your own bakkie carrying your own tools, no.
- How long is a PrDP valid?
- A PrDP is valid for 24 months and must be renewed every 2 years.
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.