When can new drivers have passengers?

New driver? How soon before you can you take along your bestie on a road trip or drive your little sister to school?

By Stuart Johnston

Published: 15 February 2024, 13:34

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

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As a high school student or varsity student with the world at your feet, you've probably wondered how soon you can share your gift of driving with your friends and loved ones. From obtaining your learner's to getting your driver's, whether it's a car or bike or a great used SUV, we have all the answers.

So before you search for new or used models on AutoTrader that will comfortably fit all your friends or family. Lets first see when you should only start driving with passengers in the car.

With a learner’s licence, must you have a fully licenced passenger on board?

The answer to this question is in two parts. When you have passed your K53 Learner’s License test, you are only allowed to venture out onto the road when accompanied by a (fully) licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat of the car you are driving.

Can you have additional passengers with a learner’s licence?

Yes, the law in South Africa does allow a learner driver to have additional passengers in the rear seat of the car. The law makes the provision that these additional passengers should not be “paying passengers.” Presumably, this stipulation was included in the law to prevent drivers with only a learner’s licence from starting to operate as taxi drivers before passing a full driver’s test!

With a full licence, can you drive on your own and with passengers?

Yes. Once you have passed your driver’s test and have obtained your driver’s licence, you are allowed to drive on your own or with as many passengers as legally allowed for the vehicle you are driving.

Are learner motorcyclists allowed passengers?

No, motorcyclists riding with a learner’s licence are not allowed to transport passengers until they have obtained a full driver’s licence. Motorcycle licences are issued in two categories. These are for motorcycles under 125 cc and for motorcycles of any engine capacity.

For a 125 cc licence (Code A1), you need to be at least 16 years old. For a licence for motorcycles over 125 cc (Code A) and for four-wheeled vehicles with a GVM mass of 3,500 kg or less (Code B), you need to be 18. This weight limit includes all normal cars, SUVs and minibuses up to a certain size.

Don't look so depressed, Susan. If you have your licence, you can bring a friend.

At what age can you obtain your learner's licence?

Learner’s licences for full-size motorcycles and cars are obtainable for people over the age of 17 and are valid for two years. The learner’s licence is issued after completing a K53 test on the controls of your motor vehicle and the rules of the road.

You need to be 18 years old to obtain a full driver’s licence in South Africa.

A tip for new drivers

Ideally, it's best to get comfortable behind the wheel first before having passengers in the vehicle. As much driver's seat time as possible will help you gain that confidence.

Getting ready for your Learner's? We can help you achieve your goal with our K53 help guides. Do you need a practice car after you ace that test? You can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings and you can customise your search to your budget.