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Transport

Application for Roadworthiness Certificate

Overview

This service provides for the inspection of vehicles for roadworthiness and the issuance of Road Worthiness Certificates.

Road Worthiness Certificates have differing life spans, dependent upon the category of vehicle;

  • 1 year for goods vehicles
  • 6 months for passenger transport vehicles
  • 3 months for vehicles being registered or licensed
Who is eligible?
  • Vehicles three (3) years old and above (prior to initial registration and upon expiration of existing certificates)
  • Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass greater than 3500kg (within 3 months of being licensed)
  •  Public transport vehicles
How do I get this service?
  • Download and complete application for vehicle road worthiness form and submit along with supporting documents at the Vehicle Testing Centres under the country .
  • Pay the required fee .  If the vehicle does not currently have a valid licence, also pay for license (or temporary licence).
  • Submit vehicle to the Vehicle Testing Station for examination by Vehicle Examiner, the vehicle should be registered at the entrance. 
  • Upon passing the examination, proceed to the Registration & Licensing Officer to collect Road Worthiness Certificate.

Note: If the vehicle fails the examination, the owner must rectify the specified faults and book for re-examination, if made within 7 working days, no extra costs charged . Only two re-examinations are allowed.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Customs clearance and Police clearance certificates (for vehicles that exceed 3 years of age and are yet to be registered in Botswana)
  • Original vehicle registration document / blue book (for vehicles already registered in Botswana)
  • Certified copy of applicant’s national identification card (for vehicles that exceed three (3) years of age and are yet to be registered in Botswana)
How long will this service take?

One (1) working day.

Where can I obtain this service?

Visit any of the Department of Road Transport and Safety vehicle testing centers for assistance.

Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. 

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

As per the pricing schedule attached.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, road worthiness certificate

Keywords

road worthiness certificate

Ministry submitting this Service

Motor Dealer’s Licence

Overview

There are two types of Motor Dealer’s licence (new and used) that are issued at the Department of Road Transport and Safety.

Type

Price

 

Renewal

 

Transfer

Motor Dealer’s Licence for new cars

 

BWP3380.00

BWP3380.00

BWP3380.00

Motor Dealer’s Licence for new and used cars

 

BWP3380.00

BWP3380.00

BWP3380.00

Motor Dealer’s Licence for used cars

 

BWP1690.00

BWP1690.00

BWP1690.00

Who is eligible?

Citizens and Non-Citizens.

How do I get this service?

Submit valid trading license including prescribed fee to the Registration and Licensing Officer at any of the Department of Road Transport and Safety across the country .

What supporting documents are required?

Copy of valid trading license obtained from the Local Authority.

How long will this service take?

Immediate.

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Road Transport and Safety Offices

Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. 

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Motor dealer's licence (new and used) : BWP 3380.00
  • Motor dealer's licence (used only) : BWP 1690.00
  • Renewal of motor dealer's licence  ( new and used) : BWP 3380.00
  • Renewal of motor dealer's licence ( used only) : BWP 1690.00
  • Transfer of motor dealer's licence ( new and used) : BWP 3380.00
  • Transfer of motor dealer's licence ( used only) : BWP 1690.00
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, change of motor vehicle ownership

Keywords

motor dealer , Transfer of motor dealer licence new and used,

Ministry submitting this Service

Foreign Driving Licence Conversion

Overview

Holders of foreign driving licences, who reside in Botswana, may use their foreign driving licence for a maximum of 90 calendar days, after which point they must apply for the Botswana driving licence.  Alternatively, foreigners who hold valid international driving permits (IDP) and international driving licences are allowed to drive without converting.

Holders of driving licences issued within SADC states are exempted, however they have an option to convert if they desire to do so.

Who is eligible?
  • Citizens and non-Citizens
  • 18 years and above.
  • The holder of a valid foreign driving licence.
How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must follow the following steps.

  • Download and complete the Botswana Driving Licence Application form (DL1). Please note that the application form is also available at the Enquiries Desk at any of the offices of the Department of Road Transport and Safety​.​ 
  • Take completed form along with supporting documents (listed below) to eye screening office and undergo eye screening.
  • Submit documents, including eye test results to the Registration and licensing officer.  Note that eye test results are only valid for 1 year.  In the case of applicants with eyesight challenges, the Registration and licensing officer would refer them to be examined by an external eye specialist for further testing.  Only after the external eye specialist recommends that the driving licence application process be continued should the applicants return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with the results and recommendations.
  • Take results (only valid for 1 year) and supporting documents (listed below) to the Licensing officer at the Registration and licensing Office.
  • Pay required fee when instructed, then have photo taken. 

After the photo is taken, sign on the signature pad, and collect printed driving licence.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Original and certified copy of the foreign driving licence (copy must be certified by the embassy or consulate that represents the particular foreign country or any commissioner of oaths in Botswana)
  • Letter from issuing authority or representative embassy verifying authenticity of the foreign driving licence
  • Certified copy of valid National Identify card (Omang)
  • Certified copy of Passport
  • Certified copy of Exemption certificate or Residence and Work permit
  • Certified copy of work permit (non-citizens)
  • Certified copy of study permit (foreign students)
  • Certified copy of the national identification card / Omang of the guardian (foreign students)
  • Refugee Identification Card (Refugees)
How long will this service take?

Immediate.​

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Road Transport and Safety Offices across the country.Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Department of Road Transport and Safety Offices

 

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

BWP91.00.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, Foreign Driving Licence Conversion

Keywords

Foreign driving licence validity, the Botswana Driving Licence. International driving licence, foreign-issued licence, conversion to Botswana driving licence. ​

Ministry submitting this Service

Driving Licence Card Renewal

Overview

The driving licence is valid for a period of five (5) years. Drivers are given a provision of  renewing the  licence three (3) months before expiry date. Failure to renew the licence card will lead to penalties.

Who is eligible?

Botswana driving licence cardholders.

How do I get this service?
  • Download and complete the DL 1 - Botswana Driving Licence Application form​. Please note that the application form is also available at the Enquiries Desk at any of the offices of the Department of Road Transport and Safety.
  • In the case of persons who are 65 years or older or applying for a class C, C1, EC or EC1 licence, download and complete Health Declaration form (DL31) .
  • Go to the eye screening office for eye examination. In the case of applicants with eyesight challenges, the Registration and Licensing Officer would refer them to be seen by an external eye specialist for further testing.  Only after the external eye specialist recommends that the driving licence application process be continued should the applicants return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with the results and recommendations
  • Submit completed documents to the Registration and licensing Officer.
  • Pay the required fee to Registration and Licensing Officer, have photograph taken and receive newly-issued driving licence card.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of valid National Identify card (Omang)
  • Certified copy of Passport
  • Certified copy of Exemption certificate or Residence and Work permit
  • Refugee Identification Card (Refugees)
How long will this service take?

Immediate.

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Road Transport and Safety Offices across the country.Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.​

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Renewal cost is P91.00. 
  • Daily penalty fee of BWP9.00 (excluding public holidays and weekend) for renewals after the expiration date, up to a maximum of BWP1000.00.
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, Driving Licence Card Renewal

Keywords

Driving Licence Card validity period, nation's roads.  Driving Licence card renewal period.

Ministry submitting this Service

Driving Licence Application

Overview
  • Apply for authority to operate a motor vehicle on the roads of Botswana.
  • Foreign nationals and holders of driving licenses issued by foreign countries, who are resident in Botswana, must apply for the Botswana driving license, by undertaking the foreign licence conversion process.  
  • SADC nationals do not need to convert their driving licences from their home country.
  • Visitors may use driving licenses from their home country for a maximum of 90 days in any calendar year. Alternatively, visitors may use their international driving permit for the life of that permit.
  • The Botswana driving licence card is valid for five (5) years. 
Who is eligible?

All citizens and residents, or visitors with exemption certificates, who meet the below age criteria may apply for a Botswana driving licence.

​Class of licence

Minimum age requirements

​F (Tractor)

​16 years

  • ​A1 and A (motor cycle)
  • B and EB (light motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 3500 kg or less)
  • H (earth-moving industrial equipment)

​18 years

​C1, C, EC1, and EC (heavy motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kg)

​21 years​

How do I get this service?
  • Download and complete the Application for a Botswana Driving license/permit form available at the Enquiries Desk at any of the offices of the Department of Road Transport and Safety.
  • Applicants  65 years or older or applying for a class C, C1, EC or EC1 licence should download and complete Health Declaration form (DL31). Valid for 30 days.
  • Go to the eye screening office for eye examination. In the case of applicants with eyesight challenges, the Registration and Licensing Officer would refer them to be seen by an external eye specialist for further testing.  Only after the external eye specialist recommends that the driving licence application process be continued should the applicants return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with the results and recommendations.
  • Submit completed documents to the Registration and licensing Officer.
  • Pay and book for the theory test at the nearest DRTS office indicating preferred method of testing (electronic or manual). 
  • Based on the instructions received for chosen method, undergo test at the appointed time and venue.  The pass mark for theory test is 26 out of 30 for classes A, B, F and H, and 39 out of 45 for classes C, C1, EB, EC, and EC1. Unsuccessful applicants must reapply for the theory test only after 14 days have elapsed.
  • If successful, submit your results and supporting documents to the Licensing officer to apply for the Provisional Learner's licence and pay the required fee.
  • When ready the applicant must pay and book for practical test (yard and road) at the nearest DRTS  office with all documents (Provisional Learner's Licence, theory test results, and eye screening results).
  • Undertake the two-step practical test (yard and road), in that order, where candidates are only allowed to do the road test after successful completion of the yard portion. 
  • If successful, pay the required fee at the nearest DRTS office to be issued with the driving licence.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of National Identify card (Omang)
  • Certified copy of Passport
  • Certified copy of Exemption certificate or Residence and Work Permit
  • Refugee Identification Card (Refugees)
  • 2 passport  sized photos
How long will this service take?

2 months

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Road Transport and Safety Offices (DRTS) across the country.

Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The fees, payable in cash or electronic payments are as follows:

​ITEM

​COST

​Theory Test

​BWP52.00

​Question Booklet​

​BWP39.00 - Classes A1, B, EB and F

​BWP65.00 - Classes C, C1, EC and EC1

​Provisional Learner's Licence

​BWP39.00

​Practical Test (Yard and Road)

​BWP52.00

​Driver's Licence

​BWP91.00​

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, Driving Licence Application

Keywords

Operate motor vehicles authorisation, operate motor vehicles, the Botswana driving licence, Foreign nationals’ driver licence holders, foreign license conversion process. Botswana driving licence card validity period. Allowed period for home country driving licence use. International driving permit.

Ministry submitting this Service

Driving Instructor Certification

Overview

The driving instructor's certificate is for individuals who want to train as trainers to learner drivers. Certificate issued must be renewed annually, ideally within a 3-months before expiry.

Who is eligible?

All citizens and residents, who meet the below criteria may apply for a Driving Instructor Certificate:

  • At least 21 years of age.
  • The holder of a valid Botswana driving licence, for the desired class, for a minimum of 2 years.
  • The holder of a valid Class B instructor's certificate (applicants for group 2 motor vehicles (C1, C, EC1, EC, and PrDP).  C1, C, EC1, & EC are heavy motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kg.
  • A holder of a minimum of Junior Secondary Certificate in Education (JSCE) or equivalent.
How do I get this service?
  • Visit any of the driver trainers at the DRTS head office to register to enroll for the driving instructors' training course.
  • Enrolled candidates will be contacted prior to course commencement to complete the  DL 1 - Botswana Driving Licence Application form, and DL 31 - Health declaration form, the forms are available at the Enquiries Desk at any of the offices of the Department of Road Transport & Safety.  
  • Go to the eye screening office for eye examination.
  • Applicants with eyesight challenges, the Registration and Licensing Officer would refer them to be seen by an external eye specialist for further testing.  Only after the external eye specialist recommends that the driving licence application process be continued should the applicants return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with the results and recommendations
  • Submit completed documents to the Registration and licensing Officer.
  • Attend the courses, according to the provided schedule, after which you will have to go through Theory and Practical test.
  • Visit the Licensing and Registration Office at the DRTS Offices in Fairgrounds, Gold valley in Francistown and Maru-a-pula (Gaborone VTS), pay theory fees, and book theory test.
  • Undergo theory test at given date.
  • Once successful, re-visit the Licensing & Registration Office to pay for and book practical driving test.  Please note that practical tests may be booked, paid for and undertaken only at the offices in Francistown (VTS), Gantsi, Lobatse, Mahalapye, Maru-a-pula (VTS) in Gaborone, Mochudi, Molepolole, Palapye only.
  • Undergo practical test at given date.
  • After passing all the tests, present all test results and documentation to the nearest Registration and Licensing office for payment of first issuance of the driving instructor's certificate.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copies of valid national identity card (Omang) - (Citizens)
  • Certified copies of valid passport (Non-citizens)
  • Certified copies of exemption certificate / Residence permit, certified by the Department of Immigration (non-citizens)
  • Certified copy of work permit, certified by the Department of Labour (non-citizens)
  • Police-certified copy of a minimum Junior Secondary Certificate in Education (JSCE) or equivalent education certificate (first time applicants only)
How long will this service take?

One (1) month.

Where can I obtain this service?

Driving Schools Academy-Department of Road Transport  and Safety
3rd floor, Tshomarelo house,
Botswana Savings Bank Building
BBS Mall, Broadhurst, Gaborone
Opening hours are from 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. 

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Driving instructor certificate (first issue)

BWP 338.00

Renewal

BWP 130.00

Duplicate

BWP65.00

Driving school permit

BWP 390.00

Renewal of driving school permit

BWP 260.00

Search fees

BWP 65.00

Driver training fees (instructor) – (Theory)

BWP 260.00

Driver training fees (instructor) – (Practical (yard and road)

BWP 365.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, driving instructors certificate,

Keywords

Driving instructors, Driving Instructor's Certificate, learner drivers, drive motor vehicle, train drivers

Ministry submitting this Service
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