Have you seen that post on social media that says, “I’m not sure who needs to hear this but get your driver’s license”? If not, let me be the one to tell you that getting your driver’s license is a game-changer! It gives you the freedom to go anywhere you want and do anything you’ve always dreamed of doing. Finally, you’ll have access to transportation and the ability to say, “Hey, let’s go somewhere different for dinner”, and drive there.

Even if you don’t have access to a car, having a driver’s license can open up new job opportunities for you. But let’s be real, getting your license can be intimidating, and it’s okay to feel nervous about it. Trust me, I’ve been there! People may say that driving is easy, but if it were, we would all be driving already, right?

The first step to getting your license is to get your learner’s license. You’ll need your ID, proof of address, two photographs, and a pen to fill out the form. Don’t stress about studying too much because you can either attend learner’s classes or study with a K53 app provided online. Choose a date for your test, and don’t make it too far away, like a month, or else you might lose momentum.

On the day of your test, be prepared to spend some time in the traffic department. You’ll have to pay R68 for the test, and it’s essential to have at least half a day off if you have work or other commitments.

Once you’ve got your learner’s license, it’s time to start preparing for your actual driving test. Find a reputable driving school in your city and bring your learner’s license, ID, two photographs, and a pen to fill out the form. The cost of learning to drive can vary but be prepared to pay around R180 per hour for lessons and an additional fee of maybe R25 for every half an hour of parking. If you’re renting the instructor’s car for your actual driving test, it can cost around R600, and you’ll need to pay R135 for the appointment and R140 after passing the test.

When choosing a driving instructor, be careful not to fall for someone who’s only in it for the money. It’s important to find an instructor who is patient, kind, and willing to help you succeed. If you fail your test the first, second, or even third time, don’t give up! Many people have failed before, and you won’t be the last one. Keep trying and stay positive because you’ve got this!

Share your experience with learner’s & driver’s tests or even driving lessons. What was it like?

Read more here on how to pass your driver’s test.