In the case of a provisional (or learners) licence:
- The person concerned may not drive a motor vehicle carrying passengers and in respect of which a professional driving permit is required; and
- The person concerned must be accompanied in or on that vehicle by, and be under the direct personal supervision of a person seated next to him or her, or immediately behind him or her, where such person cannot be seated next to him or her, and who is in possession of a licence, other than a learners or similar licence, authorising him or her to drive that class of motor vehicle. This is not applicable in the case where the provisional licence relates to a motor vehicle having no seating accommodation for a passenger or to a motor cycle. In the case of a goods vehicle in respect of which a professional driving permit is required, the person supervising the learner driver must also hold a valid professional driving permit; and
- The person concerned may not drive a motor cycle while carrying another passenger.
Applying for the test
You can get a code 1 learner’s licence and drive a motorcycle up to 125cc at 16 years old. You’re allowed to drive a motorcycle over 125cc at the age of 18 with a code 1 learner’s licence. For a car, minibus, small goods vehicle or bus (weighing less than 3 500 kg) you must be 17 years or older.
Once you have a learner’s licence, you may drive the type of vehicle for which the learner’s licence is valid. However, a licensed driver must accompany you at all times (except on a motorcycle). A learner driver may not carry another person on a motorcycle.
A code 2 licence will allow you to drive a light motor vehicle and a code 3 will allow you to drive a heavy motor vehicle.
When you apply to write the test, you will need to take the following to your nearest traffic department:
- Your official South African identity document.
- Two ID-sized black and white or colour photographs (35mm x 45mm).
- The R68 application fee.
- Proof of address (not older than three months).
- If you are under 18 years old, you must have an adult confirm your address (parent/relative or whomever they are residing with ) in an affidavit signed and stamped at a SAPS office /Commissioner of Oaths.
Note: Motorists must verify all personal and address particulars with any motor vehicle or driving licence transaction. These documents can be used as proof.
You will also need to complete the LL1 form, which will be provided by the traffic department. Remember to take a pen as most traffic departments don’t provide any.
Once you’ve submitted your form, you’ll be given a date for your test. You can only cancel this date if you are:
- Sick (you’ll need to provide a medical certificate).
- Attending a funeral (you’ll need to provide a death certificate).
- Writing exams (you’ll have to provide a timetable).
The payment won’t be refunded if you cancel your appointment. If you’re not able to make your test, make sure to cancel it as this causes a backlog in the appointment system.
You need to pay R68 to make an appointment to write the learner’s licence test and R33 for the learner’s licence once you have passed the test.
Preparing for your test
In order to pass your learner’s test, you need to study and understand the rules of the road, road markings, road signs and the controls of a vehicle.
You can study in one or more of the following ways:
- Study the K53 book, which you can buy or borrow from one of our public libraries. You can also download a K53 application (APP) to assist you.
- When you’re out and about, try to properly identify road markings and signs. Don’t be afraid to ask a driver to explain a rule or road sign.
- Go over practice test papers and mock tests that are available online.
You must also undergo an eye test.
A learner’s licence is valid for two years.
For more information contact:
Transport Administration and Licensing Helpdesk
Tel: 021 483 2080 / 2078 / 2469/ 0520/ 6401
Twitter: @WCGovTPW
On the day of the test
When you’ve made your appointment and received your test date, make sure you get to the venue 15 minutes before the time.
Remember to take:
- Your appointment sheet
- Your official identity document
- Stationery is provided at the testing centre.
Once you have your learner’s licence, you may drive the type of vehicle that your licence is valid for, but you need to have a licensed driver with you at all times.
Your learner’s licence will be valid for two years.
Call or visit your local traffic department to get information about the application process.
Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025
In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.
Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa
Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).
- Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
- Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
- Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications
1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)
If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.
2. Life Insurance
While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.
3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)
Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.
4. Business Insurance
For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.
5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance
The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.
Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits
- Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
- Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
- Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
- Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa
Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.
Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.
Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.
Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.
Final Thoughts
In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.
With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.