022 701 7000 mun@sbm.gov.za

Public Notice: Fraudulent Driving Licence Scams

by | Dec 19, 2024 | Media Release

We have become aware of an alarming increase in fraudulent activities involving scammers posing as employees of Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) in the West Coast area. These individuals are misleading people by advertising fake services through local social media platforms, such as Facebook.  In October 2024, a person attempted to apply for a new driving licence using a fraudulent Temporary Driving Licence, which was detected by the Natis System. This person was arrested, and a case was opened at South African Police Service (SAPS) in Vredenburg.

This scam continues to target unsuspecting members of the public, with recent reports, including one from a woman who was scammed just recently. As a result, further investigations have been initiated to address this growing concern.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Always visit an official, municipal Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) to book your learner’s or driving licence test. Confirm the booking with the DLTC directly.
  2. Beware of online offers or advertisements that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters often use social media to deceive the public.
  3. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities such as your nearest municipal Traffic Department.

Important Licensing Information:

  • Learner’s Licence:
    • Valid for 24 months and cannot be extended. It allows you to drive only when supervised by a licensed driver.
    • If the vehicle requires a professional driving permit, the supervising driver must hold a valid professional driving permit.

Learner’s Licence Categories:

  • Code 1: Motorcycles (up to 125cc)
  • Code 2: Motor vehicles (up to 3,500kg)
  • Code 3: Vehicles over 3,500kg

Applying for a Learner’s Licence:

  1. Visit the nearest DLTC to book a test and confirm your booking.
  2. Required documents: ID, two black-and-white ID photos, booking fee of R68.00, proof of address, and if applicable, an affidavit confirming your address.

Driving Licence Categories:

  • Code A1: Motorcycle (up to 125cc)
  • Code A: Motorcycle (over 125cc)
  • Code B: Light motor vehicles (up to 3,500kg)
  • Code C1, C, EC1, EC: Heavy motor vehicles

Applying for a Driving Licence:

  1. Visit the DLTC with your learner’s licence, ID, photographs, and proof of address.
  2. Fees:
    • Booking: R135.00 (light motor vehicle category) and R200.00 (heavy motor vehicle category)
    • Issuing fee after passing: R140.00

Do not fall for fraudulent schemes. Always go through official channels when applying for or renewing your driving licence.