What are the procedures to apply for a Professional Driving Permit?

Many have asked questions about the procedures to apply for a professional driving permit -usually referred to as  PrDP. To be fully covered when driving a vehicle  – You must be fully licensed as well – and you WILL need a PrDP if you are transporting people – not only if you are doing so for reward – but also if the vehicle you are driving is designed for such transport!

We would like to briefly summarize the important facts about getting a PrDP / Professional Driving Permit

When do you need a Professional Driving permit?

If the vehicle is designed to transport 12 or more persons including the driver, then a PrDP is required.

If the passengers are transported for reward then a PrDP is required,
And if the gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeds 3 500kg, then a PrDP is required.

What are the Procedures to apply for  PrDP /Professional Driving Permit?
You medical practioner must complete form MC.

You complete form PD1 and submit it (together with form MC) to your local Driving Licence Testing Centre.

You may have to take 4 photos if the Centre is not equipped with a Live Capture Unit.

Once you have submitted form PD1 (application form) and form MC (Medical Certificate) to the driving licence testing centre (DLTC), together with the appropriate fee for application for a PrDP, one of the following may happen:

1) If the DLTC has a Live Capture Unit (LCU) installed they will take your fingerprints and submit it electronically to the SAPS. You will be given a bank account where you have to deposit the fee for this electronic verification; alternatively
2) If the DLTC does not have a LCU installed you will be referred to the local SAPS where the fingerprints will have to be taken by them and the appropriate fee paid to the SAPS.

Where should I apply for my Professional Driving Permit?

According to the road traffic regulations you are allowed to apply at any driving licence testing centre

How long before I am issued with my PrDP license?

The card manufacture period is usually 6-8 weeks. However once approved (i.e. police clearance and medical certificate have been submitted) , a temporary driving licence with the authorised PrDP category can be issued immediately.

It has also been reported at DLTCs where the Live Capture Unit has been deployed that the period has been shortened to between 2 and 4 weeks.

Also view:

The Professional Driving Permit [PrDP] and Car Insurance