Getting a motorcycle learners license in South Africa is incredibly important if you are looking to buy and use a motorbike.
If you are looking at buying a motorcycle, you will need to have a licence to drive it. Before you can apply for a proper licence, you will have to get your learner’s. It is essential that you do have a licence because there are stringent penalties in place for drivers who are caught driving without licences. You could be obliged to pay a hefty fine or you might not be able to apply for one in the future.
You will not be able to apply for motor vehicle insurance if you do not have a licence. If you drive without a lisence and you are involved in an accident, you might be found out and charged for not being lisenced, made to pay for any other motorist’s damage if others were involved and you will certainly be left to cover the costs of your own damage without help from an insurance company. It is, therefore, absolutely essential to apply for one before driving your motorcycle.
What is a learner’s licence?
According to the South African Government Services, a learner’s licence is proof that you have basic knowledge of both the rules of the road and the motor vehicle you are driving. A learner’s licence gives you the right to drive your motor vehicle as long as you are supervised by a fully licenced individual.
Being taught how to ride a motor cycle
How do you get a learner’s licence to ride a bike?
If you are 16 years or older, you can apply for a learner’s licence for a motorcycle, motor tricycle or quadrucycle with an engine that does not exceed 125 cc. If you are 17 years or older, you may apply for a learner’s licence for a motorcycle, motor tricycle or quadrucycle with any size engine.
Visit your nearest Driving Licencing Testing Centre and book a test date. You will need to take the following with you:
- Your ID book
- Two identical black and white ID photographs
- The booking fee
You will then need to complete the LL1 or Application for Learner’s Licence form. If you are 65 years or older, you will also need to fill out a Medical Certificate form. Both forms are available at the Driving Licencing Testing Centre.
You will then have some time to study the rules of the road, the basics of motorcycles and road signs etc. before writing your test. On the day of the test you must bring your ID book and your booking receipt. If you pass your test you will have to pay an issuing fee and you will be given your learner’s licence on the same day. Your learner’s licence will be valid for 24 months and you must pass your actual licence in this time or you will have to rewrite your learner’s licence.
How to make sure you pass your learner’s licence
The learner’s licence test can be tricky. The best way to ensure that you pass is to take the time to study properly and prepare yourself. You can purchase the K53 book at most chain book stores like CNA. Make sure that you study it way in advance and that you understand everything clearly.
There are some websites available that will give you tips and advice on how to pass your motorcycle learner’s licence. There are websites that offer mock tests to see how well you know your K53 and they will rate you and tell you which areas you need to work on. SA Learners is one such website that will provide all the information and advice necessary to pass your learner’s.
If you are unsure about anything in your K53, make sure that you ask someone or that you find an answer online. Doing research through reputable websites will help you stay clear on what the rules are. Getting a motorcycle learner’s licence in South Africa may seem like hard work, but it is well worth it at the end.