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Drivers Licence Renewal Online : How to Get An Appointment
How to Book Online for Your Appointment
Step 1: Visit the website of natis to begin. Ensure that you have quick internet else the whole process will be very slow for you.
You can do this on your phone right now without having to wait to use a PC. Finish reading the rest of the steps below and then complete it. Its simple and intuitive enough.
Step 2: Select your province. Whether Eastern Cape or Gauteng province to continue as these provinces are currently the only ones that allow online booking renewal of drivers license. The page will load an interface for you.
The interface has options for you to select such as
- book now for learners license test
- book now for driving license test
- book now for driving license card renewal
- book now for prdp application
- view motor vehicle renewals
- query drivers license card / check drivers license card
- Report motor crash (in terms of damage only)
Step 3: Select the reason for which you are booking. For instance, if you are there for driver’s license renewal, select to book now for the driver’s license card renewal. A new page load / opens up for you.
Step 4: Enter your details requested such as your ID numbers, Your surname as is on your driver’s license card, and Your first name exactly as on your card then select next. Continue to select the date of your convenience for the earliest booking that you find available.
What about the eye test?
You can do the eye test on the day of the payment at the DLTC or; go to a recognised eye specialist where a certificate will be issued that will be accepted at the testing station.
I selected my preferred testing station but cannot get a booking for my preferred date and time.
If the date and time that you prefer is not available, it could be that it has been already allocated as the system is live or the testing station is fully booked for the date and time you prefer. You can either wait until booking timeslots become available or try a different testing station.
The date and time is not convenient for me at the testing station.
You can either try for a date and time at a different testing station that is more convenient or select a different date and time as all testing stations have specific days on which they test certain licence categories and it could be that the times are already allocated.
Penalties for an expired driving licence.
Currently, there are no penalties for renewing an expired driving licence, however, you are encouraged to renew your licence as soon as it nears its expiry date and obtain a temporary driving licence if you require it before you receive your driving licence card.
What to do if you can’t book a driver’s licence renewal appointment online
The National Traffic Information System (Natis) has launched a new feature for drivers in Gauteng who are struggling to renew their driver’s licences.
A new “request a slot” feature on the organisation’s website will now allow a user to fill in their information and request a slot to renew their driver’s licence at one of their preferred driving licence testing centres (DLTCs).
According to Gauteng Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo, the programme aims to reduce the backlog of an estimated 430,000 outstanding driving licence renewals in the province – and that 35,000 new slots will be made available each month.
How it works
When visiting the Natis website, you are prompted to select the province where you want to renew your driver’s licence.
Currently, only Gauteng and the Eastern Cape support online bookings – and Gauteng is the only province where the “request a slot” system is active.
Selecting Gauteng returns an array of services that can be performed at local DLTCs, with the new feature being the first option in the list.
Clicking on the “request a slot” feature brings up a submission form where drivers are asked to enter their:
- ID number
- Surname
- Initials
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Preferred DLTC
- Alternative DLTC
The last step is then to submit the filled-in form and confirmation of a booked slot will be sent to the provided email address within 30 days of making the request, said Mamabolo.
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.