A learner’s licence in Botswana, officially referred to as a Provisional Learner’s Licence, allows a learner to begin the process of obtaining a full driving licence. The application is handled through the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS).
Who Can Apply For A Provisional Learner’s Licence?
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, applicants must be 18 years or older when applying for a provisional driving licence for the first time. The requirements depend on whether the applicant is a Botswana citizen or a non-citizen.
Requirements for Botswana Citizens
Botswana citizens applying for a learner’s licence should bring:
- Valid Omang
- Valid eye test result
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Prescribed fee of P45
The eye test result can be obtained from DRTS, a private facility or a government hospital.
Requirements for Non-Citizens
Non-citizens applying for a learner’s licence should provide:
- Valid passport
- Valid residence permit
- Valid eye test result
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Prescribed fee of P45
The eye test can be conducted through DRTS, a private facility or a government hospital.
How To Apply For A Provisional Learner’s Driving Licence In Botswana
1. Complete the application form
Download and complete the Application for a Botswana Driving Licence/Permit form.
The form is also available at the Enquiries Desk at DRTS offices.
2. Complete the Health Declaration Form where required
Applicants aged 65 years or older, or those applying for Class C, C1, EC or EC1, must also complete the Health Declaration Form (DL31).
The DL31 is valid for 30 days.
3. Complete the eye examination
Go to the eye screening office for an eye examination. If the screening identifies an eyesight problem, the Registration and Licensing Officer may refer the applicant to an external eye specialist for further testing.
The applicant must return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with the specialist’s results and recommendations before the driving licence application can continue.
4. Submit the completed documents
Submit the completed application documents and supporting documents to the Registration and Licensing Officer.
5. Pay and book the theory test
Pay the required fee and book the theory test at the nearest DRTS office.
Applicants can indicate their preferred testing method:
The applicant is then given instructions on the selected testing method, including the appointed time and venue.
6. Take the theory test
The theory test 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 do not pass the theory test must wait 14 days before reapplying for the test.
7. Apply for the provisional learner’s licence
After successfully passing the theory test, submit the test results and supporting documents to the Licensing Officer. You can then apply for the Provisional Learner’s Licence and pay the required fee.
How Much Does A Learner’s Licence Cost In Botswana?
- The prescribed fee for a first-time provisional learner’s licence is P45.
- A duplicate provisional driving permit also costs P45.
How Long Is A Learner’s Licence Valid?
A provisional driving permit is valid for two years.
Applicants should therefore use this period to complete their driving training and progress to the practical driving test.
What Happens After Getting A Learner’s Licence?
The provisional learner’s licence allows the applicant to progress to the practical driving stage. The practical examination consists of a yard test followed by a road test. An applicant must pass the yard test before proceeding to the road test.
Once both practical tests have been completed, the applicant can proceed to obtain the full Botswana driving licence.
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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