Here is a detailed look at how to apply for a driving licence in Botswana, covering eligibility, the step-by-step process, required documents, and costs where available.
Driving in Botswana requires a licence issued through the Department of Road Transport Services (DRTS), the government body responsible for registering and licensing drivers and vehicles across the country.
The application process involves an eye examination, theory test, provisional learner’s licence, yard test and road test. The requirements vary depending on the applicant’s age, nationality and the class of driving licence being applied for.
Who Can Apply For A Botswana Driving Licence?
Botswana citizens, residents and eligible visitors can drive in the country under different conditions.
Foreign nationals who become residents of Botswana are required to go through the foreign driving licence conversion process if they hold a licence from another country. However, SADC nationals do not need to convert their home-country driving licences.
Visitors who are not residents may drive in Botswana using a valid driving licence issued by their home country for up to 90 days in any calendar year. A visitor may alternatively use a valid international driving permit for the validity period of that permit.
Minimum Age Requirements to Apply For a Driving Licence in Botswana
The minimum age for obtaining a driving licence depends on the licence class.
| Licence class | Vehicle type | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| F | Tractor | 16 years |
| A1 and A | Motorcycle | 18 years |
| B and EB | Light motor vehicle up to 3,500 kg | 18 years |
| H | Earth-moving industrial equipment | 18 years |
| C1, C, EC1 and EC | Heavy motor vehicle above 3,500 kg | 21 years |
Documents Required
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of Omang
- Certified copy of passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Certified copy of a Residence and Work Permit or exemption certificate, where applicable
- Refugee Identification Card, where applicable
Applicants aged 65 years or older and those applying for Class C, C1, EC or EC1 must also complete a Health Declaration Form (DL31).
The DL31 is valid for 30 days from the date it is completed.
How To Apply For A Driving Licence In Botswana
1. Complete the application form
Complete the Application for a Botswana Driving Licence/Permit form. The form can be obtained from the Enquiries Desk at a DRTS office or downloaded from the government website.
2. Complete the eye examination
Applicants must undergo an eye screening.
If the screening identifies an eyesight problem, the Registration and Licensing Officer may refer the applicant to an external eye specialist for further examination.
The application can proceed once the specialist provides recommendations confirming that the applicant can continue with the process.
3. Submit your documents
Submit the completed application form, supporting documents and relevant medical or eye-screening results to the Registration and Licensing Officer.
4. Book the theory test
Pay the required fee and book the theory test at the nearest DRTS office.
Applicants can choose between an electronic or manual theory test.
5. Pass the theory test
The required pass mark depends on the licence class.
| Licence classes | Pass mark |
| A, B, F and H | 26 out of 30 |
| C, C1, EB, EC and EC1 | 39 out of 45 |
Applicants who fail the theory test must wait at least 14 days before they can reapply to take the test.
6. Apply for a provisional learner’s licence
After passing the theory test, submit the test results and supporting documents to the Licensing Officer and apply for a Provisional Learner’s Licence.
7. Book the practical test
Once you are ready, pay and book the practical test at a DRTS office.
You will need to present your:
- Provisional Learner’s Licence
- Theory test results
- Eye screening results
8. Take the yard test
The practical examination starts with the yard test.
You must pass the yard test before proceeding to the road test.
9. Take the road test
After passing the yard test, you proceed to the road test.
Both parts of the practical examination must be successfully completed before the driving licence can be issued.
10. Pay for and receive your driving licence
After passing the practical examination, pay the required licence fee at the DRTS office. The driving licence is then issued.
Botswana Driving Licence Fees
The applicable fees include charges for the theory and practical tests and certain driver question books.
| Service | Fee |
| Theory test | BWP 60 |
| Practical driving test | BWP 60 |
| Driver question book, Class A | BWP 30 |
| Driver question book, Class B | BWP 45 |
| Driver question book, Class C | BWP 75 |
| Driver question book, Class F | BWP 45 |
| Driver question book, Class H | BWP 75 |
Fees for the provisional learner’s licence and final driving licence should be confirmed with DRTS before payment, as these charges are not clearly displayed on the current government driving licence application page.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Driving Licence?
The Government of Botswana lists the processing time for the driving licence application service as two months.
How Long Is A Botswana Driving Licence Valid?
A Botswana driving licence card is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.
Driving In Botswana With A Foreign Licence
Visitors can use a valid driving licence issued by their home country for up to 90 days in any calendar year. SADC nationals are allowed to drive in Botswana using their home-country driving licences without converting them. Foreign nationals who become residents of Botswana must follow the applicable foreign driving licence conversion process.
DRTS Contact Details
Department of Road Transport Services (DRTS)
Head Office: Tshomarelo House, Botswana Savings Bank Building, Gaborone, Botswana
Phone: +267 368 8600
DRTS Opening Hours
Driving licence services are available at DRTS offices across Botswana.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
DRTS offices are closed on public holidays.
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