What is the PD1 form and who needs it?

The PD1 is the official Application for Professional Driving Permit form under the National Road Traffic Act, 1996. You need a professional driving permit (PrDP) in addition to your ordinary driving licence if you drive for reward: as a taxi or bus driver carrying passengers, a truck driver carrying goods over 3,500kg, or a driver of dangerous goods such as fuel tankers.

What are the PrDP categories P, D and G?

Category P is for passengers (minimum age 21), such as taxi and bus drivers. Category G is for goods vehicles over 3,500kg (minimum age 18). Category D is for dangerous goods, such as fuel or chemical tankers (minimum age 25), and automatically includes category G, so you do not need to mark both.

What documents do I need to apply for a PrDP?

You need a valid South African ID document, existing driving licence, or valid passport; your existing driving licence matching the vehicle code for the category you need; a medical certificate (MC form) confirming fitness to drive, not older than 2 months; photographs of yourself (the PD1 form allows none or three, though gov.za's general guidance says four, so confirm with your DLTC); and payment of the prescribed fee.

Do I need a medical certificate for a PrDP?

Yes. A professional driving permit requires a stricter medical examination than an ordinary driving licence. Fill in your part of the MC (Medical Certificate) form using our online tool, then take it to a registered medical practitioner, who completes the medical findings. The certificate must not be older than 2 months when you submit your PD1.

How much does a professional driving permit cost?

The fee for a PrDP is set by each municipality and varies by DLTC, so gov.za directs applicants to contact their local licensing office to confirm the current amount. Some DLTCs accept payment directly, while gov.za also lists a deposit option into the Ideco AFISwitch bank account for certain transactions. Confirm the correct payment method with your DLTC before applying.

How long does it take to get a PrDP?

gov.za states a maximum processing time of 12 weeks. Any cards not collected within 120 days of being ready are destroyed, so collect your permit promptly once you are notified that it is ready.

Can I apply for a PrDP online?

gov.za states that Gauteng residents should apply for a professional driving permit online at online.natis.gov.za rather than in person. Residents of other provinces apply in person at their nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) using the PD1 form.

What is the difference between a duplicate PrDP application and a notice of change?

A duplicate application (Parts A, C and D of the PD1) is for a lost, stolen, or destroyed permit that needs replacing. A notice of change (also Parts A, C and D) is for updating your particulars (such as your ID, name, or address) on an existing permit, or reporting a change to the permit itself. Both need the office that issued your original permit and, if applicable, details of a theft or loss report to the police.

What happens if a previous PrDP application was refused?

You must declare this in Section B of the PD1: state where, when, and why the previous application was refused. Not declaring a previous refusal can be treated as a false declaration, which is punishable under the National Road Traffic Act.

Do I need a PrDP if I only drive for personal use?

No. A PrDP is only required if you drive for reward or as part of your job: carrying passengers, goods over 3,500kg, or dangerous goods. If you only drive your own vehicle for personal use, your ordinary driving licence is sufficient.

Can I hold more than one PrDP category at a time?

Yes. The PD1 form itself allows you to mark more than one category if you need them, though category D already includes category G. If your job requires both passenger and goods transport, for example, you can apply for the categories you need on the same form.

Is my personal information safe when using FillMeIn to fill the PD1?

Yes. FillMeIn processes all your data entirely on your device. Your personal information, ID number, and all form data never leave your phone or computer. Nothing is sent to our servers or stored in the cloud, and your data is never uploaded, even after you download.

PD1 — Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) Application

Department of Transport

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