Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership 2026: Grade 12 & Code EC Licence Required
Unitrans is inviting qualifying unemployed South African youth to apply for its Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity 2026. The programme leads to an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver at NQF Level 3 and combines classroom learning, workplace training and practical driving experience.
The opportunity is available in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng, and successful learners will complete a structured programme designed to prepare them for a career in the road-freight and transport industry.
The application closing date is 28 August 2026.
Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership 2026 – Quick Overview
- Company: Unitrans
- Opportunity: Truck Driver Learnership
- Reference Number: UNI260817-8
- Qualification: Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver
- NQF Level: Level 3
- Programme Duration: 12–18 months
- Contract: HR Training Academy
- Job Type: Temporary – Learnership
- Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
- Locations: KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng
- Licence Required: Valid Code EC driver’s licence with PrDP
- Closing Date: 28 August 2026
About the Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership
Unitrans operates in the transportation, warehousing and supply chain sector and is offering this learnership to develop a new generation of professional truck drivers.
The programme is more than simply gaining driving experience.
Learners will receive structured training covering:
- Classroom theory
- Workplace learning
- Practical driving
- Road safety
- Energy-efficient driving
- Vehicle and onboard technology
- Telematics
- Customer service
- Professional driving practices
The programme is intended to prepare successful learners for the changing road-freight industry, where technology, telematics and data-driven fleet management are becoming increasingly important.
What Qualification Will You Receive?
The learnership leads to the:
Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver – NQF Level 3
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workplace exposure.
Learners must complete the required training and assessments before being found competent.
How Long Is the Learnership?
The advertised programme runs for approximately:
12 to 18 months
During this period, learners will participate in classroom-based learning as well as workplace and practical driving activities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements specified by Unitrans.
1. South African Citizenship
Applicants must be:
South African citizens.
2. Grade 12 / National Certificate
Applicants must have:
Grade 12 / National Certificate
A certified copy of the Matric certificate must be submitted with the application.
3. Code EC Driver’s Licence
This is one of the most important requirements.
Applicants must have a:
Valid Code EC driver’s licence with a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), categories D, G and P.
Therefore, applicants who only have an ordinary Code B licence should not assume that they qualify for this particular truck-driver learnership.
4. Medical Fitness
Applicants must be:
Medically fit
This is important because professional truck driving involves long periods on the road and responsibility for heavy vehicles.
5. Shift and Weekend Availability
Successful learners must be willing to work:
- Shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
Applicants should consider this requirement before applying.
Is a Logistics Qualification Required?
No.
A degree or diploma in:
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Transport Economics
- A related field
is listed as advantageous.
It is therefore not presented as the minimum qualification for the learnership.
The core requirements include Grade 12/National Certificate and the required Code EC licence with PrDP.
Attributes Unitrans Is Looking For
Unitrans is looking for candidates who demonstrate more than academic qualifications.
Safety-First Mindset
Safety is particularly important in professional driving.
Learners must demonstrate sound judgement and responsible behaviour on the road.
Customer Focus
Drivers represent the company when interacting with customers and other stakeholders.
A strong customer-service attitude is therefore important.
Problem-Solving
Applicants should be able to identify problems and make appropriate decisions while working independently.
Technology Awareness
Modern trucks use increasingly sophisticated technology.
Unitrans specifically highlights telematics and onboard systems as part of the changing transport environment.
Applicants should therefore be comfortable learning to use technology.
Reliability and Discipline
Professional driving requires punctuality, reliability and adherence to procedures.
Pride in Your Work
Unitrans is also looking for people who take responsibility for their work and want to develop a professional driving career.
What Will Learners Do?
The programme includes several compulsory learning activities.
Classroom Training
Learners will complete structured classroom theory.
The face-to-face classroom training is compulsory, and learners must attend it to be found competent.
On-the-Job Training
Learners will receive practical workplace exposure.
This allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge in an actual working environment.
Practical Driving
The programme includes significant practical driving experience.
Learners must log a minimum of:
100 practical driving hours
in the workplace before the final assessment.
Road Safety and Energy Efficiency
Learners will be expected to operate vehicles safely and efficiently while applying the relevant legislated standards.
Training will therefore focus not only on driving the vehicle but also on:
- Road safety
- Responsible driving
- Efficient vehicle operation
- Compliance with legislation
- Professional conduct
Final Assessment and EISA
Successful learners must complete a final assessment for competence.
They must also complete the compulsory:
External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).
Learners should understand that completing classroom attendance alone does not automatically mean that the qualification will be awarded.
The required learning, practical experience and assessments must be completed successfully.
Documents Required
Unitrans instructs applicants to submit certified copies of the required supporting documentation.
The advert specifically states that copies should be:
Certified and not older than three months.
Applicants should prepare:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Code EC driver’s licence
- Certified copy of PrDP
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Copies of other relevant qualifications, where applicable
Make sure your documents are clear and readable before uploading them.
Important: Check Your Driver’s Licence
The driver’s licence requirement is especially important for this opportunity.
The advert requires:
Code EC + PrDP, categories D, G and P
If you do not have the required licence and permit, you should not claim that you meet the requirement.
Check your licence documentation carefully before applying.
Edupstairs Application Guidance
Update Your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Grade 12 qualification
- Code EC driver’s licence
- PrDP details
- Relevant driving experience
- Logistics or transport qualifications
- Work experience
- Relevant skills
Highlight Driving Experience
If you already have legitimate experience operating commercial vehicles, make this clear.
Include the type of vehicles you have operated and the nature of your experience where relevant.
Do not exaggerate your experience.
Show Your Safety Awareness
Professional driving employers place significant importance on safety.
Your CV should highlight genuine experience or training related to:
- Road safety
- Vehicle safety
- Compliance
- Defensive driving
- Workplace safety
Prepare Your Certified Documents Early
Because the advert requires certified copies not older than three months, applicants should make sure their documents meet this requirement before submission.
Do not assume that an old certified copy will automatically be accepted.
Where Are the Opportunities Located?
The advertised locations are:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Cape Town
- Gauteng
The vacancy does not indicate that applicants can choose any location without restrictions.
Applicants should follow the location and placement instructions provided through the Unitrans recruitment portal.
Is This a Permanent Job?
No.
The vacancy is classified as:
Temporary – Learnership
The programme is designed to provide structured occupational training and practical experience.
Completing the learnership should not be interpreted as a guarantee of permanent employment with Unitrans.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Unitrans recruitment portal.
When applying, search for:
Truck Driver Learnership Opportunity
Reference Number: UNI260817-8
Apply Online for the Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership
Applicants should upload the required certified documentation with their application.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check that you:
- Have South African citizenship.
- Have Grade 12/National Certificate.
- Hold a valid Code EC driver’s licence.
- Have the required PrDP.
- Meet the specified PrDP category requirements.
- Are medically fit.
- Are willing to work shifts.
- Are willing to work weekends.
- Are willing to work public holidays.
- Have prepared certified copies of your documents.
- Ensure your certifications are not older than three months.
- Have an updated CV.
- Are able to participate in face-to-face classroom training.
- Understand the 12–18 month programme commitment.
- Can complete the required practical driving hours.
- Apply before 28 August 2026.
Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership 2026 – Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Unitrans |
| Position | Truck Driver Learnership |
| Reference | UNI260817-8 |
| Qualification | Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver |
| NQF Level | Level 3 |
| Duration | 12–18 months |
| Contract | HR Training Academy |
| Job Type | Temporary – Learnership |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 / National Certificate |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Licence | Code EC + PrDP |
| Locations | KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town & Gauteng |
| Training | Classroom + workplace + practical driving |
| Practical Driving | Minimum 100 hours |
| Final Assessment | Required |
| EISA | Required |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Matric to apply?
Yes. The minimum education level listed is Grade 12/National Certificate.
Do I need a driver’s licence?
Yes. Applicants need a valid Code EC driver’s licence with the required PrDP.
Can someone with only a Code B licence apply?
The advert specifically requires Code EC with PrDP, so applicants with only Code B should not assume that they meet the minimum requirement.
How long is the learnership?
The programme is structured to run for approximately 12 to 18 months.
How many practical driving hours are required?
Learners must log at least 100 practical driving hours in the workplace before their final assessment.
Will there be classroom training?
Yes. Compulsory face-to-face classroom training forms part of the programme.
Is the programme for unemployed youth?
Yes. The opportunity is advertised for qualifying unemployed South African youth.
Where are the opportunities available?
The listed locations are KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng.
Is a logistics degree compulsory?
No. A degree or diploma in logistics, supply chain management, transport economics or a related field is listed as advantageous.
When does the application close?
Applications close on 28 August 2026.
Final Word
The Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership 2026 offers qualifying unemployed South African youth an opportunity to work towards an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver NQF Level 3 while gaining structured classroom, workplace and practical driving experience.
However, this is not a basic learnership for someone who has only recently obtained Matric. The requirement for a valid Code EC driver’s licence with PrDP is critical.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your certified ID, Code EC licence, PrDP, Matric certificate and other relevant documents, then submit your application through the Unitrans recruitment portal before the 28 August 2026 closing date.
