Eswatini Driving Licence or Driver Permit

Eswatini Driving Licence : Obtaining a driver’s license in Eswatini allows you to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads.

This guide covers how to get a new or renew an existing Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) driver’s license, change your address, take the driver exam, pay traffic fines, and understand Eswatini driving laws.

Getting a New Eswatini Driving Licence

To obtain your first driver’s license in Eswatini, you must:

Meet Age Requirements

• Be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.
• Be 18 years old for a full driver’s license.

Provide Required Documents

• Completed license application form.
• Valid Eswatini national ID card or passport.
• Proof of residence in Eswatini.
• Original birth certificate.
• 2 passport photos.
• Applicable license fees.

Pass Necessary Exams

• Rules of the road knowledge test.
• Oral test on road signs and markings.
• Vision screening for minimum acuity.
• Practical on-road driving test.

Receive Your License

• Once you pass all exams, you’ll be issued a photo driver’s license.
• Allows legal operation of vehicles on Eswatini roads.
• Licenses must be renewed every 5 years.

Renewing an Eswatini Driver’s License

To renew an expiring Eswatini driver’s license:

• Apply up to 1 year before your license expires.
• Complete and submit renewal application.
• Provide updated ID documents if anything changed.
• Pass vision screening again.
• Pay license renewal fees.
• New photo may be required.

Failure to renew on time can result in fines and need to retake driver exams.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Eswatini License

If your Eswatini driver’s license is lost or stolen:

• Immediately report it to the police and get an incident report.
• Apply for replacement at licensing office.
• Show police report and confirmation of identity.
• Pay fees for replacement license.
• Have new photo and signature captured.

Prompt reporting gives you the best chance of avoiding re-testing.

Changing Your Address on an Eswatini Driver’s License

After moving to a new permanent address in Eswatini, you must update your driver’s license:

• Visit your local licensing office in person.
• Fill out address change application form.
• Provide proof of your new residential address.
• Pay applicable fees for updated license.
• Have license issued showing new address.

Some agencies allow address changes by mail with proper documentation.

Taking the Driver Exam in Eswatini

To qualify for a new Eswatini driver’s license, you must pass:

Knowledge Test

• Written rules of the road exam.
• Oral questioning on road signs and safety.
• Vision screening for minimum acuity.

Practical Driving Test

• On-road evaluation of driving skills.
• Assesses ability to control vehicle and obey laws.
• Points deducted for errors.

Practice tests can help prepare for the exams. Many need multiple attempts to pass.

Paying Traffic Fines in Eswatini

If you receive a traffic citation in Eswatini, you can pay the fines:

• In person at the nearest police station.
• By mail sending a cheque or postal order.
• At some Eswatini courts via EFT or credit card.
• Via MTN Mobile Money if option is available.

Fines have a due date for payment before additional penalties apply.

Overview of Traffic Laws in Eswatini

When driving in Eswatini, you must obey these essential rules:

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Obey posted speed limits (60km/hr urban, 100km/hr rural highways).
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Mandatory seat belt use by driver and passengers.
• Strict drunk driving laws – maximum 0.08% BAC.
• No use of handheld mobile phones while driving.
• Use indicators when turning or changing lanes.
• Obey all traffic officers, signs, and signals.

Violating Eswatini’s traffic laws can lead to fines, arrest, and licence suspension. Always drive safely and legally.

FAQ on Eswatini Driving Licence