If you want to drive certain types of vehicles or transport passengers or goods in South Africa, you may need a professional driving permit (pdp). A pdp is a legal document that certifies that you are fit and qualified to operate a vehicle for professional purposes.
In this blog post, we will explain what the PDP requirements are, why you need it, how to get it, and how to maintain it.
What is a PDP?
A pdp is a special endorsement that is added to your driver’s license, allowing you to drive specific categories of vehicles or carry certain types of passengers or goods. You need a pdp if you want to:
Drive a vehicle that carries more than 12 people, including the driver
Drive a vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3,500 kg
Drive a vehicle that transports goods that are classified as dangerous
Drive a vehicle that is used for public transport, such as a taxi, bus, or minibus
Drive a vehicle that is used for tourism or hospitality services, such as a shuttle, tour, or safari vehicle
Drive a vehicle that is used for emergency services, such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car
Before understanding the PDP requirements, having a PDP can benefit you in many ways, such as:
Enabling you to provide transportation services, such as driving for a company, a school, a church, or a non-governmental organization
Allowing you to drive public transport vehicles, such as taxis, buses, or minibuses, and earn income from fares or tips
Permitting you to carry dangerous goods, such as explosives, flammable liquids, or radioactive materials, and receive higher pay or incentives
Enhancing your employability and career prospects, as many employers prefer or require drivers with a pdp
Improving your driving skills and safety awareness, as you have to undergo rigorous training and testing to obtain a pdp
PDP Requirements
To apply for a pdp, you must meet the following PDP requirements:
You must have a valid driver’s license for the category of vehicle you want to drive
You must be at least 18 years old for a code B, C1, C, EB, EC1, or EC vehicle
You must be at least 21 years old for a code A1, A, or D vehicle
You must have a medical certificate that proves that you are physically and mentally fit to drive a professional vehicle
You must have a training certificate that shows that you have completed an approved pdp training course
You must have a criminal record certificate that confirms that you have not been convicted of any of the following offences in the past five years:
– Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
– Driving a vehicle while your license or pdp was suspended or cancelled
– Reckless, negligent, or inconsiderate driving
– Fraud related to a driver’s license or pdp
– Any offence where a person was killed or injured
You must also check if your driver’s license and pdp are valid and not suspended or cancelled. You can do this by visiting the nearest driving license testing centre (DLTC) or contacting the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
PDP Online Application
To apply for a pdp, you need to follow these steps:
Fill out the Application for Professional Driving Permit (PD1) form, which you can get from any DLTC or download from the Department of Transport website
Submit the following documents along with your application form:
Your original driver’s license and a certified copy
Your original identity document (ID) or passport and a certified copy
Your original medical certificate and a certified copy
Your original training certificate and a certified copy
Your original criminal record certificate and a certified copy
Four identical black-and-white or colour photographs that meet the specifications for a pdp
Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the DLTC and the category of vehicle you want to drive
Book and take the pdp test, which consists of a written or oral exam and a practical driving test
If you pass the pdp test, collect your pdp card from the DLTC where you applied
That and the mentioned PDP requirements must be met.
To prepare for the pdp test, you should:
Study the road rules, signs, signals, and markings, as well as the regulations and responsibilities of a professional driver
Practice your driving skills, such as vehicle inspection, manoeuvring, parking, braking, and emergency procedures
Take mock tests, which you can find online or in pdp training manuals
How to Renew or Replace PDP
Meeting all the PDP requirements are important but also knowing about a pdp is valid for two years from the date of issue. You should renew your pdp at least four weeks before it expires to avoid any penalties or delays. To renew your pdp, you need to:
Fill out the Application for Renewal of Professional Driving Permit (PD2) form, which you can get from any DLTC or download from the Department of Transport website
Submit the following documents along with your renewal form:
Your original pdp card and a certified copy
Your original driver’s license and a certified copy
Your original ID or passport and a certified copy
Your original medical certificate and a certified copy
Your original criminal record certificate and a certified copy
Two identical black-and-white or colour photographs that meet the specifications for a pdp
Pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on the DLTC and the category of vehicle you want to drive
Collect your new pdp card from the DLTC where you applied
See also: Fundi loan requirements
If you lose or damage your pdp card, you should report it to the nearest police station and apply for a replacement as soon as possible. To replace your pdp card, you need to:
Fill out the Application for Replacement of Professional Driving Permit (PD3) form, which you can get from any DLTC or download from the Department of Transport website
Submit the following documents along with your replacement form:
Your original driver’s license and a certified copy
Your original ID or passport and a certified copy
A certified copy of the police report or affidavit stating the reason for the replacement
Two identical black-and-white or colour photographs that meet the specifications for a pdp
Pay the replacement fee, which varies depending on the DLTC and the category of vehicle you want to drive
Collect your new pdp card from the DLTC where you applied
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explained the PDP requirements, why you need it, how to get it, and how to maintain it. A pdp is a valuable document that enables you to drive certain types of vehicles or transport passengers or goods in South Africa.
To obtain a pdp, you must meet the eligibility criteria, apply at a DLTC, and pass the pdp test. To keep your pdp valid, you must renew it every two years or replace it if you lose or damage it. Having a pdp can open up many opportunities and benefits for you as a professional driver.
