Driving License Test Passing Criteria
| CODE | e.g. | VISUAL ACUITY | VISUAL FIELD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CODE 8 | A1 | Scooter | 🛵 | Minimum 6/12 for each eye or At least 6/9 in one eye |
Minimum 70 degrees temporal for each eye, or if one eye is less than 70 degrees temporal or blind, total horizontal visual field must be at least 115 degrees |
| A | Bike | 🏍️ | |||
| B | Car | 🚗 | |||
| EB | Car + Trailer | 🚗 + 🏁 | |||
| CODE 10 | C1 | Small Truck/Bus | 🚚 / 🚐 | Minimum 6/9 for each eye | Minimum 70 degrees temporal for each eye |
| C | Medium Truck/Bus | 🚚 / 🚌 | |||
| EC1 | Truck + Trailer | 🚚 + 🏁 | |||
| EC | Large Truck | 🚛 | |||
Temporary Driving Licence (South Africa)
Issued immediately at a DLTC when renewing an expired licence or replacing a lost/stolen one. Valid for 6 months while you wait for your new card.
Required Documents (*: Important)
- Certified copy of SA ID or temporary ID *
- Proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement – not older than 3 months) *
- 4 identical black-and-white ID photos (confirm quantity with your DLTC)
- Applicable fee (cash/card – confirm payment methods)
- If replacing lost/stolen licence: Police affidavit
Application Process
- Visit any Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC)
- Complete the Application for a driving licence (DL1) form
- Submit documents + pay fee
- Receive temporary licence same day
- Wait 4–6 weeks for permanent card (SMS notification when ready)
Converting a Foreign Licence (After PR)
If you've obtained Permanent Residency (PR) in South Africa, you must convert your foreign licence within 5 years.
Eligibility
- Hold a valid SA ID or Passport + PR certificate
- Foreign licence must be valid, with photo/signature
- Licence must be in English OR accompanied by a sworn translation
- Conversion must be done within 5 years of PR approval
Documents Needed
- SA ID document + certified copy
- Permanent Residence certificate/permit
- Foreign driving licence (+ translation if not in English)
- Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
- 4 black-and-white ID photos
- Applicable fee (cash)
Conversion Steps
- Visit a DLTC in the province where you received PR
- Complete forms: DL1 (Exchange) + NCP (Address Change)
- Pass an eye test at the DLTC OR submit a report from a qualified optometrist
- Provide fingerprints at the centre
- Receive temporary licence immediately
- Collect permanent card in 4–6 weeks (SMS alert)
Information sourced from official South African transport guidelines. Requirements may vary slightly by province. Confirm with your local DLTC before visiting.
Visual Acuity Quick Reference Conversion
| Snellen (ft) | Snellen (m) | Decimal | LogMAR | Near Vision (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/10 | 6/3 | 2.0 | -0.1 | N4–N5 / J1 |
| 20/15 | 6/4.5 | 1.33 | -0.12 | N5 / J1–J2 |
| 20/20 | 6/6 | 1.0 | 0.0 | N6 / J2–J3 |
| 20/25 | 6/7.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | N8 / J3–J4 |
| 20/30 | 6/9 | 0.67 | 0.18 | N10 / J5 |
| 20/40 | 6/12 | 0.5 | 0.3 | N12 / J6 |
| 20/50 | 6/15 | 0.4 | 0.4 | N14 / J7 |
| 20/100 | 6/30 | 0.2 | 0.7 | N24 / J10 |
| 20/200 | 6/60 | 0.1 | 1.0 | N36 / J12+ |
Understanding Visual Acuity Measurements
The standard fraction where the numerator is the test distance (e.g., 20 ft or 6 m) and the denominator is the distance at which a "normal" eye could read that same line.
Example: 20/40 means you see at 20 feet what a normal eye sees at 40 feet.
Calculated by dividing the Snellen fraction (e.g., 20/40 = 0.5). Commonly used in European clinical records and research.
Quick reference: 1.0 = 20/20 (normal), 0.5 = 20/40, 0.1 = 20/200.
The logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution. Lower values indicate better vision; 0.0 = standard 20/20 vision.
Why it matters: Each 0.1 change = one line on the eye chart. Preferred for research and statistical analysis.
A measurement of print size used for reading tests, typically held at 40 cm.
N-scale: N5 = small newsprint, N8 = standard book text, N12+ = large print.
J-scale: J1 ≈ N5, J3 ≈ N8, J10+ ≈ N24 (used in some regions).
Values are approximate equivalents. Actual visual function depends on contrast, lighting, and individual factors.
Most Used Prescription Terms
| Abbreviation | Latin Meaning | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| p.o. | per os | by mouth, orally |
| gtt(s) | gutta(e) | drop(s) |
| b.i.d. | bis in die | twice daily |
| t.i.d. | ter in die | three times a day |
| q.i.d. | quater in die | four times a day |
| prn | pro re nata | as needed |
| h.s. | hora somni | at bedtime |
| stat | statim | immediately |
| o.d. | oculus dexter | right eye |
| o.s. | oculus sinister | left eye |
Useful Symbols
| Symbol | Description | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↑ | Up Arrow | Alt + 24 | Option + 2191 |
| ↓ | Down Arrow | Alt + 25 | Option + 2193 |
| → | Right Arrow | Alt + 26 | Option + 2192 |
| ← | Left Arrow | Alt + 27 | Option + 2190 |
| ↕ | Up/Down Arrow | Alt + 18 | Option + 2195 |
| ↔ | Left/Right Arrow | Alt + 29 | Option + 2194 |
| ± | Plus/Minus | Alt + 241 | Option + Shift + = |
| • | Bullet | Alt + 0149 | Option + 8 |
| ▬ | Dash | Alt + 22 |
Instructions:
- Click the symbol in the first column to copy it directly to your clipboard.
- Windows: Hold the Alt key and type the numbers on your numeric keypad.
- Mac: Enable "Unicode Hex Input" in System Settings under Keyboard > Input Sources. Hold the Option key and type the four digit code.
WHO Visual Impairment (VI) Classification
About WHO Visual Impairment Classifications
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies visual impairment based on visual acuity (clarity) and visual field (total area seen).
These classifications, part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), measure vision in the better eye with best possible correction or "presenting vision".
Distance Vision Classification (ICD-10)
| Category | Description | Visual Acuity (Better Eye) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Mild or no impairment | Better than 6/18 (20/70) |
| 1 | Moderate impairment | 6/18 to 6/60 (20/70 to 20/200) |
| 2 | Severe impairment | 6/60 to 3/60 (20/200 to 20/400) |
| 3 | Blindness (Grade 3) | 3/60 to 1/60 (20/400 to 20/1200) |
| 4 | Blindness (Grade 4) | 1/60 to Light Perception |
| 5 | Blindness (Grade 5) | No Light Perception (Total blindness) |
Key Definitions
References & Sources (click to expand)
HPCSA Contact Lens Regulations
HPCSA Regulations: Contact Lens Prescription Validity
The 12-month prescription validity rule is legally binding for all contact lens retail in South Africa, online and in-store. Source: Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) & National Department of Health.
1. HPCSA Ethical Rules of Conduct
Published in the South African Government Gazette No. 43632 under the Health Professions Act.
"The sale of contact lenses (or spectacles) is strictly limited to a valid prescription that is less than a year from the date of eye examination."
Applies to: All optometrists, dispensing opticians, and retail outlets
Enforced by: HPCSA Professional Conduct Committee
Penalty for non-compliance: Disciplinary hearing, fines, or suspension
2. HPCSA Clinical Guidelines for Contact Lens Fitting
Professional standards outlined in the official HPCSA Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians Guidelines.
- Verify prescription date is within 12 months of sale
- Document ocular health evaluation in patient records
- Provide written advice for annual exams to disposable lens wearers
- Retain prescription copies for minimum 5 years (HPCSA record-keeping rule)