Ministry of Transport and Public Works

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.​

Related Services
Foreign Driving Licence Conversion
Related Documents
Department of Road Transport and Safety-Office locations (299.46 KB)
Related Forms
Health Declaration Form (52.54 KB)
Application for a driver's licence form (37.76 KB)
Affidavit- Duplicate Permit form (113.85 KB)
Eye test form (285.31 KB)
Theme for this service
Transport
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
Ministry of Transport and Public Works

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.

Related Services
Driving Licence Card Renewal
Foreign Driving Licence Conversion
Related Documents
DRTS OFFICES locations_12_0.pdf (299.46 KB)
Related Forms
Health Declaration Form (52.54 KB)
Application for a Botswana Driving license/permit form (37.76 KB)
Eye Test Form (285.31 KB)
Theme for this service
Transport
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
Ministry of Transport and Public Works

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. 

Related Services
Driving School Permit
Related Documents
Pricing Schedule / Offences and charges information (2.86 MB)
Related Forms
Health Declaration Form (52.54 KB)
Application for Driver's Licence/ Instructor form (37.76 KB)
Theme for this service
Transport
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
Ministry of Transport and Public Works
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