Code 8 Vehicles List: Every Car, SUV & Bakkie You Can Drive in South Africa
A Code B (Code 8) licence covers any motor vehicle with a GVM of 3,500 kg or less. This includes every sedan, hatchback, SUV, bakkie, and most panel vans and minibuses sold in South Africa. The only common vehicles that exceed the limit are heavy-duty commercial vans like the Mercedes Sprinter 5t and VW Crafter 50.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Some content may be AI-assisted. Regulations and fees change regularly. Always verify details with your local DLTC or Department of Transport before making decisions. Full disclaimer
The Code 8 vehicles list covers every car, SUV, bakkie, van, and minibus you can legally drive with a Code B (Code 8) licence in South Africa. If you're wondering whether a specific vehicle falls within your licence, this guide has the answer with real GVM figures for the most popular models on South African roads.
The Code 8 Rule: 3,500 kg GVM
A Code B (Code 8) licence allows you to drive any motor vehicle (excluding motorcycles) with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3,500 kg or less.
GVM is the manufacturer's rated maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded — that means the vehicle itself plus passengers, fuel, and cargo. You can find your vehicle's GVM on the compliance plate, usually located on the driver's door frame.
Sedans and Hatchbacks
Every sedan and hatchback sold in South Africa is comfortably within the Code 8 limit. No passenger car comes anywhere near 3,500 kg.
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Code 8? |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo / Polo Vivo | 1,580 – 1,680 kg | Yes |
| Hyundai i20 | 1,550 – 1,665 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Starlet | 1,430 – 1,490 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Corolla (sedan/hatch) | 1,815 – 1,850 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 1,900 – 1,950 kg | Yes |
| Hyundai Creta | 1,750 – 1,850 kg | Yes |
| BMW 3 Series | 2,060 – 2,180 kg | Yes |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 2,050 – 2,200 kg | Yes |
| Audi A4 | 2,050 – 2,150 kg | Yes |
Verdict: You will never need more than a Code 8 for any sedan or hatchback.
SUVs and Crossovers
All SUVs currently sold in South Africa — including the largest models — fall within the Code 8 limit.
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Code 8? |
|---|---|---|
| Haval Jolion | 1,900 – 2,000 kg | Yes |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2,050 – 2,150 kg | Yes |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 2,150 – 2,280 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Fortuner | 2,750 kg | Yes |
| Ford Everest | 2,900 – 3,100 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 2,850 – 2,990 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 3,230 – 3,300 kg | Yes |
Surprise entry: The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is one of the largest SUVs on South African roads, yet its GVM of around 3,300 kg keeps it within Code 8 territory. Many people assume it requires a Code 10, but it does not.
Bakkies (Pickup Trucks)
Bakkies are the best-selling vehicle segment in South Africa. Every standard bakkie model is within the Code 8 limit.
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Code 8? |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan NP200 | 1,580 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Hilux Single Cab | 2,900 – 3,100 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Hilux Double Cab | 3,050 kg | Yes |
| Ford Ranger XLT / Wildtrak | 3,270 – 3,350 kg | Yes |
| Ford Ranger Raptor | 3,130 kg | Yes |
| Isuzu D-Max Double Cab | 3,050 – 3,100 kg | Yes |
| Nissan Navara Double Cab | 2,910 – 3,250 kg | Yes |
| Volkswagen Amarok V6 | 3,250 – 3,350 kg | Yes |
| GWM P-Series | 3,050 – 3,200 kg | Yes |
| Mahindra Pik Up | 2,750 – 3,080 kg | Yes |
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak (~3,350 kg) and VW Amarok V6 (~3,350 kg) are among the heaviest bakkies available, but both still clear the 3,500 kg limit.
Panel Vans and Delivery Vans
This is where the Code 8 limit becomes important. Most light commercial vans are fine, but some heavy-duty variants cross the 3,500 kg line.
Vans You CAN Drive with Code 8
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Code 8? |
|---|---|---|
| VW Caddy Panel Van | 2,200 – 2,380 kg | Yes |
| Hyundai H100 Panel Van | 2,550 – 2,720 kg | Yes |
| VW Transporter T6.1 | 2,800 – 3,200 kg | Yes |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 2,800 – 3,050 kg | Yes |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311 CDI (3.49t) | 3,490 kg | Yes |
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311 CDI was specifically designed with a GVM of 3,490 kg so that it can be driven on a Code 8 licence — just 10 kg under the limit.
Vans You CANNOT Drive with Code 8
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Licence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (5.0t variant) | 5,000 kg | Code C1 (Code 10) |
| VW Crafter 50 | 5,000 kg | Code C1 (Code 10) |
| Fiat Ducato (heavy variants) | 3,500 – 4,250 kg | Code C1 (Code 10) |
| Iveco Daily (heavy variants) | 3,500 – 7,000 kg | Code C1 (Code 10) |
If you're buying or renting a delivery van for work, always check the GVM on the compliance plate. The same van model can come in both Code 8 and Code 10 variants.
Minibuses
Minibuses are a common source of confusion, especially regarding the Toyota Quantum.
| Vehicle | Approx. GVM | Code 8? |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Quantum 10-seater (2.7 petrol) | 2,800 – 3,000 kg | Yes |
| Toyota Quantum 14-seater (2.5 diesel) | 3,150 – 3,250 kg | Yes |
| Hyundai H1 / Staria (9-seater) | 2,830 – 3,100 kg | Yes |
| Toyota HiAce 14-seater (new model) | Under 3,500 kg | Yes |
The standard Toyota Quantum in both 10-seater and 14-seater configurations is within the Code 8 limit. However, if you use a minibus to transport passengers commercially (taxi, shuttle, e-hailing), you need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in addition to your Code 8 licence.
Vehicles People Think Need Code 10 (But Don't)
These vehicles are commonly assumed to require a higher licence, but all are Code 8 legal:
- Toyota Land Cruiser 300 — GVM ~3,300 kg. Fully Code 8 legal.
- Ford Ranger Wildtrak — GVM ~3,350 kg. Heavy for a bakkie, still under 3,500 kg.
- VW Amarok V6 — GVM ~3,350 kg. Same as above.
- Toyota Quantum 14-seater — GVM ~3,250 kg. Code 8 legal (PrDP needed for commercial passenger use).
- Ford Everest — GVM ~3,100 kg. A large SUV, but well within the limit.
What You CANNOT Drive with Code 8
Your Code 8 licence does not cover:
- Motorcycles — You need a Code A1 (up to 125cc) or Code A (any size)
- Vehicles over 3,500 kg GVM — You need Code C1 (Code 10) for vehicles up to 16,000 kg
- Trailers over 750 kg GVM — You need Code EB to tow heavy trailers
- Articulated trucks — You need Code EC (Code 14)
- Heavy trucks over 16,000 kg — You need Code C
How to Check a Vehicle's GVM
If you're unsure whether a vehicle falls within the Code 8 limit:
- Check the compliance plate — Located on the driver's door frame or inside the engine bay. It shows the manufacturer's rated GVM.
- Check the vehicle registration papers — The GVM is listed on the registration document.
- Check the manufacturer's website — Look for the specifications page of the specific model and variant.
The GVM is a fixed manufacturer rating. It does not change based on how much cargo you load — it's always the same number regardless of whether the vehicle is empty or full.
Related Guides
- Old vs New Driving Licence Codes — Is Code B really Code 8? See the full conversion table
- Can I Drive a Bakkie or Taxi With Code 8? — PrDP rules and commercial use explained
- What Vehicles Can I Drive With Each Licence Code? — Vehicle lists for all codes (A1 to EC)
- How Much Do Driving Lessons Cost? — 2026 pricing guide
Find a Driving School Near You
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Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the Code 8 vehicles list?
The Code 8 (Code B) vehicles list includes every motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3,500 kg or less. This covers all sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, bakkies, most panel vans, and most minibuses sold in South Africa. Motorcycles are excluded — they require a Code A or A1 licence.
QCan I drive a Toyota Hilux with Code 8?
Yes. All Toyota Hilux models (single cab, extra cab, and double cab) have a GVM between 2,900 kg and 3,210 kg, which is well within the Code 8 limit of 3,500 kg.
QCan I drive a Ford Ranger with Code 8?
Yes. All Ford Ranger models, including the Wildtrak and Raptor, have a GVM between 3,130 kg and 3,350 kg — all under the 3,500 kg Code 8 limit.
QCan I drive a Toyota Land Cruiser with Code 8?
Yes. Even the full-size Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has a GVM of approximately 3,230–3,300 kg, which is under the 3,500 kg limit. Many people assume it needs a Code 10, but it does not.
QCan I drive a Toyota Quantum with Code 8?
Yes, the standard Toyota Quantum (10-seater and 14-seater) has a GVM of approximately 3,150–3,250 kg, within the Code 8 limit. However, if you transport passengers commercially (like a taxi service), you also need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) regardless of your licence code.
QWhat vehicles can I NOT drive with Code 8?
You cannot drive vehicles with a GVM over 3,500 kg (like medium trucks, heavy commercial vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter 5t or VW Crafter 50, buses, or trucks), motorcycles (need Code A/A1), or tow trailers over 750 kg GVM (need Code EB). For vehicles over 3,500 kg, you need at least a Code C1 (Code 10) licence.
QIs the VW Amarok Code 8?
Yes. The Volkswagen Amarok, including the V6 models, has a GVM of approximately 3,250–3,350 kg. While it is one of the heavier bakkies on the market, it still falls within the 3,500 kg Code 8 limit.
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