A PDP, officially a professional driving permit (PrDP), is a permit you need on top of your driving licence if you drive for reward or drive certain heavy or dangerous-goods vehicles. In South Africa “PDP” in driving always means this permit. You apply at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC), where your fingerprints are taken for a criminal record check, and the permit must be renewed every two years. Many centres take PDP bookings on NaTIS Online.
Last checked: 19 September 2026. TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent guide, not a government website. We do not book appointments, take payments or issue documents. Confirm fees, hours and requirements with the official source before you act: gov.za: professional driving permit and NaTIS Online.
Who needs a PrDP
- Drivers carrying paying passengers, such as taxi, bus and e-hailing drivers, and in some cases learner transport drivers.
- Drivers of goods vehicles above the prescribed mass, and certain other heavy vehicles.
- Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
Not sure? See who needs a PrDP.
PrDP categories and eligibility
- G (goods): minimum age 18.
- P (passengers): minimum age 21. Category P also allows goods.
- D (dangerous goods): minimum age 25. Category D also covers G and P.
You must hold a driving licence for the vehicle code you will drive, and category D usually needs a dangerous goods training certificate. See PrDP categories.
Documents and medical requirements
- Original ID document and a valid driving licence.
- A medical certificate (form MC) completed by a medical practitioner, not older than two months. See PrDP medical certificate.
- A conviction report, from fingerprints taken at the DLTC. See police clearance for a PrDP.
- Form PD1 (application for professional driving permit) and ID photographs where required. See the PD1 form.
- Proof of address. See proof of address.
If a doctor does not certify you as medically fit, the application cannot go ahead. The forms (PD1 and MC) are downloaded free from the NaTIS road traffic forms page on natis.gov.za.
How to apply or renew
The PDP application process is the same for a first permit and a renewal:
- Have the medical certificate completed by a doctor.
- Book a PrDP slot on NaTIS Online where your centre uses it, or confirm the walk-in arrangement with the DLTC.
- Take your documents to the DLTC and have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
- Pay the application and permit fees.
- Collect the permit card when it is ready.
See PDP renewal and PrDP requirements.
NaTIS and DLTC booking steps
NaTIS Online offers PrDP application bookings (“Book now for PrDP Application”). For a PDP online booking:
- Log in on NaTIS Online. See the NaTIS Online guide if you have no profile yet.
- Choose the PrDP application option, your province and testing centre, and a date.
- Save the confirmation and take it to the centre with your documents and medical certificate.
Centres outside Gauteng often book at the counter instead. See traffic department online booking and NaTIS PrDP application.
Fees and payment checks
PrDP fees are set provincially and differ between centres, and the doctor’s fee for the medical certificate is separate. See how much a PDP costs.
Processing and card collection
gov.za says processing can take up to 12 weeks, largely because of the fingerprint conviction check. Driving for reward with an expired PrDP is an offence, so apply early. See PrDP card collection and expired PrDP.
Common PrDP questions
What does PDP mean in driving?
Professional driving permit. Its official abbreviation is PrDP, but most people call it a PDP.
How long is a PDP valid?
Two years. The government confirmed in July 2026 that PrDPs stay on a two-year cycle even under the proposed ten-year licence card change.
Why does a PrDP take so long?
The conviction check against police records adds weeks. Applying two to three months before you need it avoids a gap.
What disqualifies a PrDP application?
Recent serious convictions, such as driving under the influence, and for categories P and D certain violent offences. The DLTC decides from the conviction report.
Do e-hailing drivers need a PrDP?
Drivers carrying passengers for reward need a category P permit.
Can I drive while my PrDP application is processing?
Only if your existing permit is still valid. Apply early enough that it does not lapse.
Can I renew a PrDP after it expires?
Yes, but you may not drive for reward while it is expired. See expired PrDP.
Where do I apply for a dangerous goods PrDP?
At a DLTC, with your training certificate. See dangerous goods PrDP.
Planning a PDP renewal without a gap
- Note your PrDP expiry date as soon as you receive the card.
- About three months before expiry, book a medical examination.
- Book the PrDP application while the medical certificate is still within its two-month validity.
- Keep the DLTC receipt in case you are stopped while the new permit is being processed and the old one is still valid.
Operators and fleet managers have their own duties to check permits. See operator responsibilities and NaTIS PrDP renewal.
Find a centre with traffic department near me or PrDP near me. Other forms: traffic department forms. Back to the traffic department overview.