Renewing your Durban driver's license: A no-stress guide
Behind the wheel in Durban? Your driver's license renewal might seem like a daunting trek, but don't be dismayed. This guide provides all the essentials to navigate the process smoothly.
License renewal: A must-do for all drivers, every 5 years
In SA, all driver’s licence holders have to renew their licence every five years. Ideally, you should renew your licence card a minimum of four weeks before it expires, or you will have to pay for a temporary licence while you wait for your permanent one.
Sadly, KZN hasn't been added to the eNatis platform where services like renewing your driver's licence online are available. But don't feel bad, many provinces don't have access either. And here's the kicker; fingerprints still have to be taken at the DLTC so there seems to be little point to the whole exercise, as you would still need to make the trip there and stand in a queue at one of these KZN driver's license testing centres.
Related: How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license
Related: What to do when your driver’s license expires
It's slow-going at most of Durbans DLTCs
The bad news is that Durban’s Drivers Licence Testing Centres (or DLTCs) are renowned for being slow, with some people reporting up to eight hours trying to get their licencing issues sorted! Windsor Park in Smiso Nkwanyana (Goble) Road, Pinetown, Verulam, Umbilo Licencing Bureau, and Rossburgh are infamously tardy.
Related: Find out if you need an international driving license as well
Quieter DLTCs are worth the drive
Driving out of town to a quieter DLTC is advised, but remember that you must also collect your card there. Arriving early with the right documentation (already filled out) and a pen may save you minutes, possibly even hours.
Getting the eye test beforehand can save you even more time
The compulsory eye test should be done by an optometrist instead of at the testing centre itself, as COVID-19 restrictions have seen most testing centres discontinue in-house eye testing. Now that the pandemic is over, however, chances are that this service will be offered once again. Not keen on taking a chance? Some Specsavers branches offer this service for free.
Related: How much are car license renewal fees?
Do you need to retake the driving test?
For now, you are not required to retake the actual driving test when you renew, but this legislation may change within the next few years.
Your driver's license renewal toolkit:
Here's what you'll need to bring along to get this admin sorted:
- Identity document (ID) and a copy of your ID, old driving licence card or valid South African passport.
- 2 x standard ID photos
- Proof of address no older than 3 months, like a utility bill. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address, and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address.
- Prescribed application fee (phone beforehand to find out the exact cost).
- Complete form DL1: Application for renewal of driving licence card (download here to fill it out beforehand!)
- You will do an eye test if you haven’t done it at an optometrist. If you have, hand the results thereof to the DLTC. Please note that no eye test should be older than 3 months.
How much does it cost?
Your new driving licence will be ready in four to six weeks. Approximate costs in KZN are as follows, but the following is very important: We recommend calling the relevant DLTC beforehand to check what the correct amount is, as fees may differ. Imagine taking a day off work to find that you didn't bring enough cash or that you have insufficient funds in your account! Here are some ballpark figures for the cost of a licence.
- Driver’s licence: R250 to R350
- Temporary Licence: R90 to R150 (Required if your driver's licence has already expired or will expire in the next 4 weeks)
- Learner’s licence: R150
- Driver’s test: R200 (LMV), R300 (HMV)
For the full list of DLTC’s and their phone numbers in KZN, click here.
