Professional Driving Permit (PDP) in South Africa
A Professional Driving Permit (PDP) is required by law for drivers who operate certain categories of vehicles professionally. These include minibus taxis, buses, goods vehicles carrying dangerous substances, and any vehicle carrying passengers for reward. The PDP requires a medical examination and must be renewed every 2 years.
If you drive a minibus taxi, school bus, tour bus, or long-distance coach professionally, you need a valid PDP. Driving without a required PDP is a criminal offence.
Who Needs a PDP?
Under the National Road Traffic Act, a PDP is mandatory for any person who drives a motor vehicle that:
- Is used to transport passengers for reward (including minibus taxis and buses)
- Carries dangerous goods (as defined in the Dangerous Goods Act)
- Is a motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 3,500 kg used for the conveyance of goods
- Is a breakdown vehicle (tow truck) used on public roads professionally
PDP Categories
| PDP Category | Vehicles Covered |
|---|---|
| P (Passengers) | Vehicles carrying passengers for reward (taxis, buses, coaches) |
| G (Goods) | Vehicles over 3,500 kg GVM carrying goods |
| D (Dangerous Goods) | Vehicles carrying dangerous substances/goods |
| P + D | Passengers and dangerous goods (e.g., ambulances carrying gases) |
Requirements and Documents
- Valid South African driver's licence for the vehicle code (Code 2, 10, or 14 as appropriate)
- South African identity document (smart card ID or green barcoded ID)
- Valid medical certificate of fitness from a registered medical practitioner (not older than 6 months)
- Proof of residential address not older than 3 months
- Completed PDP application form (available at traffic departments)
- Valid roadworthy certificate for the vehicle (where applicable)
- Payment of PDP application fee (R250 to R450 depending on category and municipality)
Medical Requirements
A medical examination by a registered medical practitioner is mandatory for all PDP applications. The examination assesses physical and mental fitness to drive professionally, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and the absence of conditions that may impair driving ability.
Medical certificates are valid for 6 months. You must ensure your medical certificate has been obtained from a doctor registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Vision test (including colour vision for dangerous goods drivers)
- Hearing assessment
- Blood pressure measurement
- Fitness for sustained driving (no conditions causing sudden incapacity)
- Declaration of chronic medication and its effects on driving ability
Application Process
- Obtain a medical certificate of fitness from your doctor.
- Complete the PDP application form from your traffic department.
- Gather all required documents.
- Visit your nearest traffic department with the relevant facilities.
- Submit documents, pay the fee (R250 to R450), and have your photograph taken.
- The PDP is processed through eNaTIS and issued within 2 to 4 weeks.
- The PDP card must be carried at all times when driving professionally.
PDP Renewal
A PDP must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application and requires a fresh medical certificate of fitness. Do not allow your PDP to lapse, as this is a criminal offence for professional drivers.
You can renew your PDP up to 3 months before it expires. Renewal can be initiated via the eNaTIS portal at www.enatis.com or at any licensing department.