Learner's licence guide
The K53 learner's test: what is asked, how to pass, what to bring
The learner's licence test is the theory test you write at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC) before you may learn to drive on a public road. Here is how it works, in plain words.
The test at a glance
64 questions, about an hour, three sections. You pass only if you pass every section:
Road signs has the highest bar: 23 out of 28 means you may get only five wrong. Learn every sign by its shape and colour, not just the common ones.
See how you would do: free 10-question testWhich code do you need?
- Code 1: motorcycles. From age 16.
- Code 2: light motor vehicles up to 3 500 kg, such as cars and bakkies. From age 17.
- Code 3: heavy motor vehicles over 3 500 kg, such as trucks. From age 18.
The road signs and rules of the road are the same for every code. The vehicle controls questions are about the vehicle you will drive.
What to bring to the testing centre
- Your ID: a green barcoded ID book or smart ID card. Not a South African citizen? Your passport and a valid permit.
- ID photos. Ask your centre how many, and whether they take the photo there.
- Proof of your address.
- Your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them: there is an eye test.
- The fee. It differs from province to province, so check with your centre.
How to book
Go to your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) and fill in the application for a learner's licence (form LL1). In some provinces, such as Gauteng, you can also book online on the NaTIS website, online.natis.gov.za. Busy centres can be booked up well ahead, so book early.
On the day
- Arrive early with everything on the list above.
- Your eyes are tested (or hand in an optometrist's completed form).
- You write the 64 questions, at most centres on a computer.
- You get your result the same day. If you pass and pay the licence fee, your learner's licence is issued that day.
Your learner's licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended, so book your driving test within that time.
How to prepare
The questions are about the K53 rules, every road sign and marking, and your vehicle's controls. What works:
- Study one section at a time, and test yourself on each until you are well above its pass mark.
- Learn signs by their group: red circles forbid, blue circles command, red triangles warn.
- Read every answer before choosing: many questions have two answers that are nearly right.
- Practise with a timer, so an hour feels like plenty on the day.
Study it all on your phone
Our course teaches every sign, rule and control with narrated lessons, tests you as you go, and tells you section by section whether you would pass at the testing centre today.
Questions people ask
How many questions are in the K53 learner's test?
64 questions in three sections: 8 on vehicle controls, 28 on road signs, signals and markings, and 28 on rules of the road.
What is the pass mark for the learner's test?
You must pass every section on its own: 6 out of 8 for vehicle controls, 23 out of 28 for road signs and 22 out of 28 for rules of the road. Failing any one section fails the test, however well you did in the others.
How long is the learner's test?
You have about an hour (60 minutes) to answer the 64 questions.
How old must I be to get a learner's licence?
16 for a motorcycle (Code 1), 17 for a light motor vehicle such as a car (Code 2) and 18 for a heavy motor vehicle (Code 3).
What must I bring to the testing centre?
Your South African ID (green barcoded ID book or smart ID card), or a passport and valid permit if you are not a South African citizen; ID photos (check with your centre how many and whether they take them there); proof of your address; your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them; and money for the fee, which differs by province.
How do I book my learner's test?
Book at your nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC), where you fill in the LL1 application form. Some provinces, such as Gauteng, also let you book online on the NaTIS website (online.natis.gov.za).
Is there an eye test?
Yes. Your eyes are tested at the testing centre, or you can have the test done by an optometrist and bring the completed form.
How long is a learner's licence valid?
24 months from the day it is issued, and it cannot be extended. If you pass and pay the licence fee, it is issued on the same day.
Rules and fees are set by government and can change; your testing centre has the final word. Sources: gov.za, Apply for a learner's licence. Checked September 2026.