Alright, folks, gather ’round! Today, I’m gonna share my experience of applying for a Botswana driver’s license online. It wasn’t a walk in the park, but hey, who needs easy when you can have an adventure, right?
First things first, I went to the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) website. Seemed like the most logical place to start. I found the “Enquiries Desk” section and downloaded the application form. Filled it out, no biggie. Now, I’m not 65 or older, and I wasn’t applying for a class C or C1 license, so I didn’t have to worry about any extra steps there.
Booking the Tests
- Theory Test: I had to visit one of the DRTS offices in person. I chose the one in Fairgrounds, paid the theory test fee, and booked a date. The test itself was alright, just your standard road rules and regulations. Passed it on the first try, thankfully.
- Practical Test: After acing the theory, I went back to the office, paid the fee for the practical test, and booked another date. This was the real deal – actually driving with an examiner. Bit nerve-wracking, but I managed to keep my cool (mostly) and passed this one too.
Once I got both tests out of the way, it was time to think about an International Driving Permit (IDP). I know my local license is only good in Botswana, so this seemed like a good idea for future travels. Found some online service promising to get it done in just 8 minutes. Sounded too good to be true, but I gave it a shot anyway.
Getting the IDP
- Application: Pretty straightforward. Filled out another form online, this time for the IDP.
- Photos: Had to upload a recent photo. Made sure it was up-to-date and followed their guidelines. No funny business here.
And that’s pretty much it! Got my Botswana driver’s license and an IDP. The whole process took a bit of time and effort, but now I’m all set to hit the roads in Botswana and beyond. It wasn’t the smoothest ride, but hey, I got there in the end. And that’s what counts, right?
So, if you’re thinking about getting your driver’s license in Botswana, hopefully, my little adventure here gives you a bit of an idea of what to expect. Just be prepared for some forms, a couple of tests, and maybe a few moments of “What am I doing?” But trust me, it’s worth it in the end. Happy driving, everyone!
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