=== A person must be a fit and proper person to drive a motor vehicle in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). ===


A person is disqualified from driving in the RSA:

(a) 	if he or she- 

(i) 	in the case of any licence for a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres or which is propelled by electrical power or which is a vehicle as contemplated in paragraph (b) of the definition of "motor vehicle", is under the age of 16 years; 

(ii) 	in the case of a learner's licence for a light motor vehicle, being a motor vehicle not of a class referred to in subparagraph (i) and the tare of which does not exceed 3500 kilograms or, where such motor vehicle is- 

(aa) 	a bus or goods vehicle, the gross vehicle mass of which does not exceed 3 500 kilograms; 

(bb) 	an articulated motor vehicle, the gross combination mass of which does not exceed 3 500 kilograms, 

is under the age of 17 years; or 

(iii) 	in the case of any other licence, is under the age of 18 years; 

(b) 	during any period in respect of which he or she has been declared by a competent court or authority to be disqualified from obtaining or holding a licence to drive a motor vehicle, while such disqualification remains in force; 

(c) 	where a licence to drive a motor vehicle held by him or her has been suspended by a competent court or authority, while such suspension remains in force; 

(d) 	where a licence to drive a motor vehicle held by him or her has been cancelled by a competent court or authority, for such period as he or she may not apply for a licence; 

(e) 	if he or she is suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities: 

(i) 	Uncontrolled epilepsy; 

(ii) 	sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or any other cause; 

(iii) 	any form of mental illness to such an extent that it is necessary that he or she be detained, supervised, controlled and treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973); 

(iv) 	any condition causing muscular incoordination; 

(v) 	uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; 

(vi) 	defective vision ascertained in accordance with a prescribed standard; 

(vii) 	any other disease or physical defect which is likely to render him or her incapable of effectively driving and controlling a motor vehicle of the class to which such licence relates without endangering the safety of the public: Provided that deafness shall not of itself be deemed to be such a defect; 

(g) 	if he or she is addicted to the use of any drug having a narcotic effect or the excessive use of intoxicating liquor; or 

(h) 	in such other circumstance as may be prescribed, either generally or in respect of a particular class of learner's or driving licence.