A license is an official permission or permits to do, use, or own something. A license is granted by a party to another party as an element of an agreement between those parties. In the case of a license issued by a government, the license is obtained by applying for it.
- 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 residents in Botswana, must apply for the Botswana driving license, by undertaking the foreign license conversion process.
- SADC nationals do not need to convert their driving licenses 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 license 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 license | Minimum age requirements |
| F (Tractor) | 16 years |
| A1 and A (motorcycle)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 license should download and complete Health Declaration form (DL31). Valid for 30 days.
- Go to the eye screening office for an 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 license 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 the theory test at the nearest DRTS office indicating the preferred method of testing (electronic or manual).
- Based on the instructions received for chosen method, undergo the test at the appointed time and venue. The pass mark for the 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 license and pay the required fee.
- When ready the applicant must pay and book for a 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 the driving license.
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
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 |
Holders of foreign driving licenses, who reside in Botswana, may use their foreign driving license for a maximum of 90 calendar days, after which point they must apply for the Botswana driving license. Alternatively, foreigners who hold valid international driving permits (IDP) and international driving licenses are allowed to drive without converting.
Holders of driving licenses issued within SADC states are exempted, however, they have the 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 license.
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 the completed form along with supporting documents (listed below) to the 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 license 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 the required fee when instructed, then have a photo taken.
After the photo is taken, sign on the signature pad, and collect the printed driving license.
What supporting documents are required?
- Original and certified copy of the foreign driving license (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 the authenticity of the foreign driving license
- 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.
How much does it cost?
BWP91.00.
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 on public holidays.
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 on public holidays.
Where can I get more information on this Service
Department of Road Transport and Safety
Tshomarelo House
Botswana Savings Bank Building
Private Bag 0054
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (267) 368-8600
Fax. (267) 397-1117/1114
Toll Free Number : 17779
Email: mtcpro@gov.bw
The driving license is valid for a period of five (5) years. Drivers are given a provision of renewing the license three (3) months before the expiry date. Failure to renew the license card will lead to penalties.
Who is eligible?
Botswana driving license 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 license, download and complete the Health Declaration form (DL31).
- Go to the eye screening office for an 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 license 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 the Registration and Licensing Officer, have photographs taken, and receive a newly-issued driving license 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 on public holidays.
Related Services
Foreign Driving Licence Conversion
Related Documents
department of road transport and safety-office locations
Related Forms
application for a driver’s licence form
affidavit- duplicate permit form
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
Ministry of Transport and Communications
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 residents in Botswana, must apply for the Botswana driving license, by undertaking the foreign license conversion process.
- SADC nationals do not need to convert their driving licenses 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 license 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 license.
| Class of license | Minimum age requirements |
| F (Tractor) | 16 years |
| A1 and A (motorcycle)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 license should download and complete Health Declaration form (DL31). Valid for 30 days.
- Go to the eye screening office for an 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 license 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 the preferred method of testing (electronic or manual).
- Based on the instructions received for chosen method, undergo the test at the appointed time and venue. The pass mark for the 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 license and pay the required fee.
- When ready the applicant must pay and book for a 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 the driving license.
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 on public holidays.
How do I get a driver’s license in Botswana?
Submit completed documents to the Registration and Licensing Officer. Pay and book the theory test at the nearest DRTS office indicating the preferred method of testing (electronic or manual). Based on the instructions received for chosen method, undergo the test at the appointed time and venue.
How long does a first driving license take?
You might be asked for additional information, such as your National Insurance number if you know it. You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied. Your license should arrive within one week if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA needs to make additional checks.
How do I book my license test?
What you should do
- Go to the nearest driving licensing testing center (DLTC) to book a test date and confirm the booking.
- Take the following with you:
- Complete the Application for the learner’s license form (LL1), which is available at the DLTC.