A professional driving permit is required if you drive:

• a goods vehicle, weighing over 3 500 kg
• a breakdown vehicle
• a bus
• a minibus weighing more than 3 500 kg designed to carry 12 or more people, including the driver
• a vehicle used to transport people for payment
• a goods vehicle carrying dangerous goods, which weighs more than 3 500 kg
• a road tank vehicle for petroleum-based flammable liquids
• a motor vehicle conveying 12 or more people including the driver.

A professional driving permit is not required to drive a hearse or a tractor.

You can only get a professional driving permit if you:

• have a valid driving licence for the type of vehicle in question
• are over the required age limit (this depends on the type of vehicle in question)
• have been certified as medically fit by a doctor
• have been certified by an approved training body (only required for certain types of vehicle)
• have not been convicted of driving under the influence, of reckless or negligent driving or of a violent offence
• have never had your driving licence suspended.

Your professional driving permit may be suspended or cancelled if you become medically unfit or if you are convicted of driving under the influence, of reckless or negligent driving, or of a violent offence.

The operator or owner of a motor vehicle for which a professional driving permit is required may not let another person drive that vehicle on a public road, unless that other person is the holder of a professional driving permit of the appropriate category.

• complete form PD1
• pay the required fee
• produce your ID
• provide two photographs
• show your driving licence
• produce your training certificate (if applicable)
• produce your medical certificate
• show any other professional driving permit or public driving permit that you already hold.

Once the application has been processed, your fingerprints will be taken and your credit card format driving licence showing the professional driving permit will be ordered.

You will be informed once the card is ready for collection. You must have identification on you to collect the card. Any cards not collected within 120 days are destroyed.

For more information contact: