1. This circular has been revised and repeals Circular 0103/2000 in its entirety.
2. Chapter 4, Section 32 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996), which came into effect on 1 August 2000, stipulates that drivers of any of the types of vehicles listed below must have a PrDP.
3. Discussions with the Western Cape Traffic Authority have made it clear that it is the view of the Provincial Chief Traffic Officer that anyone who drives any of the vehicles in one of the categories below (whether or not he or she owns the vehicle and whether or not it is carrying passengers) on a public road must have a PrDP.

Category of vehicle Gross vehicle mass (GVM) Category of PrDP Minimum age of driver
Goods vehicle Over 3500 kg G 18 years
Bus Irrespective of GVM P 21 years
Mini-bus Over 3500 kg P 21 years
Mini-bus designed or adapted to convey 12 or more passengers, including the driver Irrespective of GVM P 21 years
Any motor vehicle used to carry paying passengers Irrespective of GVM P 21 years
4. A PrDP can be applied for at any driving licence testing centre. Applications must include the necessary documentation and fees namely:

  • Acceptable identity document;
  • Two (2) ID photographs of applicant;
  • Original driver's licence;
  • Medical certificate (MC form);
  • PrDP application form (PD1 form); and
  • Police clearance report.

The above-mentioned forms are obtainable at testing centres.
5. The provisions of the law are binding on all citizens and hence on all employees of the Western Cape Education Department and institutions under its control. Chapter 4, Section 32 thus also applies to drivers of GG vehicles in the above categories. The heads of those institutions that use any such means of transport must see to it that all drivers have the required PrDP. The cost thereof is for the institution’s budget.
6. For more information, any of the following officials at Head Office may be contacted:

Mr CK Barron Tel. no. 021 467 2789
Mr JG Heath Tel. no. 021 467 2797
Mr MB Noboza Tel. no. 021 467 2791
Ms E Santo Tel. no. 021 467 2339
7. The content of this circular must be brought to the attention of all concerned.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2015:08:18