Code C1 Drivers Licence (Code 10): Complete Guide, Cost & Requirements 2026
A Code C1 drivers licence (the old Code 10) covers medium-heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM — including Isuzu N-Series trucks, Hino 300s, Fuso Canters, and small buses like the Toyota Coaster. Getting a Code C1 in South Africa costs R4,500–R9,000, requires a fresh heavy-vehicle learner's licence, and adds air-brake handling and a more thorough yard test.
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
A Code C1 drivers licence (formerly Code 10) is the South African licence you need to drive medium-heavy trucks and buses between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM. If you're upgrading from Code B for a truck-driving job, training to drive a small bus, or just want to know what "Code 10" means today, this is the complete guide.
Is Code C1 the Same as Code 10?
Yes. Code C1 is the current letter code that replaced old Code 10 in 1998 under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996. They cover identical vehicle classes:
- Old name: Code 10
- Current name: Code C1
- Vehicle class: Motor vehicles with a GVM over 3,500 kg but not exceeding 16,000 kg
Old Code 10 cards remain valid, and new licences are issued as C1. Most South Africans (and many driving schools) still call it "Code 10" in everyday conversation. For more on the old vs new code system, see our old vs new licence codes guide.
What Can You Drive with a Code C1 Licence?
A Code C1 licence covers any motor vehicle (including goods vehicles, buses, and minibuses) with a Gross Vehicle Mass between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. You can also tow a trailer up to 750 kg GVM. To tow a heavier trailer behind a Code C1 truck, you need Code EC1.
Code C1 automatically includes the privileges of Code B, so you can also drive cars, bakkies, SUVs, and minibuses.
Real Medium Trucks You Can Drive with Code C1
These are the most common medium trucks sold in South Africa, all within the C1 weight class:
| Truck | Approx. GVM |
|---|---|
| Isuzu NLR 150 | 4,200 kg |
| FAW 6.130 | 6,000 kg |
| Isuzu NPR 400 | 7,500 kg |
| Fuso Canter FE7 | 7,500 kg |
| Hino 300 815 | ~7,500 kg |
| Tata LPT 813 | ~8,000 kg |
| Isuzu NQR 500 | 8,500 kg |
| Hino 300 916 LWB | 8,500 kg |
| Tata LPT 1216 | ~12,000 kg |
| UD Croner (medium variants) | 10,000 – 15,000 kg |
The full Isuzu N-Series range in South Africa spans 4,200–8,500 kg GVM across 19 models — every N-Series variant falls inside the Code C1 class.
Small Buses You Can Drive with Code C1
| Bus | Approx. GVM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Coaster (23-seater) | Under 8,000 kg | Most popular SA midi-bus |
| Hino Liesse | Under 8,000 kg | 20–25 seat midi-bus |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (22-seat conversions) | 3,500 – 5,500 kg | If above 3,500 kg GVM |
| Iveco Daily minibus (heavy variants) | 3,500 – 7,000 kg | Heavy variants only |
Important: Any vehicle carrying more than 12 people (including the driver) requires a PrDP P endorsement on top of your Code C1 licence — even if you're not transporting passengers commercially.
What You CANNOT Drive with Code C1
- Vehicles over 16,000 kg GVM — You need Code C
- Articulated trucks (truck-tractor + heavy trailer) up to 16,000 kg — You need Code EC1
- Articulated trucks over 16,000 kg — You need Code EC (Code 14)
- Motorcycles — You need Code A or A1
- Trailers over 750 kg behind a C1 truck — You need Code EC1
Code C1 (Code 10) Cost in South Africa (2026)
Here's a realistic cost breakdown to get a Code C1 licence in 2026:
Government Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Heavy learner's licence (Code 3) test | ~R110 |
| Heavy learner's licence issue | ~R55 |
| Code C1 driving test booking | ~R240–R325 |
| Driving licence card issue | ~R250 |
| Total government fees | ~R650–R750 |
Driving School Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lesson hourly rate | R250 – R500 / hour |
| 10–15 lesson package | R2,500 – R5,500 |
| Test day truck hire | R800 – R1,500 |
Total Estimated Cost
R4,500 – R9,000 depending on the number of lessons needed and your province.
Code 10 lessons cost more per hour than Code 8 lessons because driving schools have to cover the higher running costs of a truck (fuel, maintenance, licensing).
How to Get a Code C1 Licence: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get a Heavy-Vehicle Learner's Licence (Code 3)
You cannot use the Code 1 (light vehicle) learner's licence you used for your Code B test. You must apply for a fresh Code 3 heavy-vehicle learner's licence at your nearest DLTC. This learner's covers C1, C, EC1, and EC, and the test includes additional theory on:
- Air brake operation and warning systems
- Articulated vehicle behaviour
- Heavy-vehicle following distances
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection requirements
Step 2: Find a Code 10 Driving School
Not all driving schools offer Code C1 training because they need to own and maintain a medium truck. Find a driving school near you that specifically offers Code 10 lessons.
Step 3: Take Driving Lessons
Most learners need 10–15 lessons before they're ready for the test. You'll learn:
- Pre-trip inspection (engine, lights, tyres, coupling, leaks)
- In-cab inspection including air-brake build-up test
- Manoeuvring a larger vehicle in confined spaces
- Air-brake operation and emergency procedures
- Heavy-vehicle road handling and following distances
Step 4: Pass the K53 Yard Test
The Code C1 yard test is more thorough than the Code B test and lasts up to 20 minutes, as set out in the official K53 Heavy Motor Vehicles manual published by Arrive Alive. You'll need to demonstrate:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection — much more extensive than Code B
- In-cab inspection including air-brake build-up, low-pressure warning, parking brake test
- Alley docking — reverse the truck into a marked bay
- Three-point turn in a confined space
- Incline (slope) start without rolling back — critical with air-brake release
- Left-hand reverse / parallel park at truck scale
Step 5: Pass the Road Test
The road test takes you onto public roads where the examiner assesses your K53 compliance, observation, gear changes, following distance, and overall vehicle control in real traffic conditions.
Step 6: Receive Your Code C1 Licence Card
If you pass, you'll receive a temporary licence immediately and the new card in 4–6 weeks. The card is valid for 5 years, then renewed (the licence code itself doesn't expire — only the card).
Do I Need a PrDP for Code C1?
For the licence itself: No.
To drive Code C1 vehicles on public roads: Almost always yes, depending on use:
| Use Case | PrDP Required |
|---|---|
| Driving a truck with GVM over 3,500 kg (any goods) | PrDP G (goods) |
| Driving a vehicle carrying over 12 people incl. driver | PrDP P (passengers) |
| Driving a passenger vehicle commercially (taxi, shuttle) | PrDP P (passengers) |
| Transporting hazardous loads | PrDP D (dangerous goods) |
PrDP requirements per the South African government: minimum age 18 (G) or 21 (P/D), valid driving licence for the vehicle category, medical certificate not older than 2 months, and a clean criminal record for the past 5 years. The PrDP endorsement is valid for 2 years and must be renewed separately from your driving licence card.
Should You Get a Code C1 Licence?
A Code C1 is worth getting if you:
- Want to work as a delivery truck driver, courier, or removal company driver
- Plan to drive a small bus (Toyota Coaster, midi-bus) for a school, church, or shuttle service
- Need to drive trucks for your business (construction, agriculture, trade)
- Want to upgrade your career options — heavy-vehicle drivers are in high demand in South Africa
For long-haul trucking, you'll eventually want to upgrade to Code EC (Code 14), which is the highest licence in South Africa and covers articulated trucks like superlinks and interlinks.
Related Guides
- Old vs New Driving Licence Codes — Is Code C1 really Code 10? Full conversion table
- Code 8 Vehicles List — Every car, SUV & bakkie you can drive with Code B
- What Vehicles Can I Drive With Each Licence Code? — Vehicle lists for all codes
- How Much Do Driving Lessons Cost? — 2026 pricing guide
Find a Code 10 Driving School Near You
Ready to get your Code C1 licence? Not all driving schools offer Code 10 training, so it's important to find one that specialises in heavy-vehicle instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
QIs Code C1 the same as Code 10?
Yes. Code C1 is the new letter code that replaced old Code 10 in 1998 under the National Road Traffic Act. They cover identical vehicle classes — medium-heavy motor vehicles with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. Old Code 10 cards remain valid, and new licences are issued as C1. Most South Africans still call it 'Code 10' in everyday conversation.
QWhat vehicles can I drive with a Code C1 (Code 10) licence?
A Code C1 licence covers any motor vehicle (including buses and goods vehicles) with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. This includes medium trucks like the Isuzu NPR/NQR, Hino 300, Fuso Canter, FAW 6.130, Tata LPT, and small buses like the Toyota Coaster. You can also tow a trailer up to 750 kg GVM. Code C1 automatically includes the privileges of Code B, so you can also drive cars, bakkies, and SUVs.
QHow much does a Code C1 (Code 10) drivers licence cost in South Africa?
The total cost to get a Code C1 licence in South Africa in 2026 is approximately R4,500 to R9,000. This includes government fees (~R500), driving school lesson packages (R2,500–R5,500 for 10–15 lessons at R250–R500 per hour), and test vehicle hire (R800–R1,500). Code 10 lessons cost more than Code 8 because of the higher running costs of operating a truck.
QDo I need a new learner's licence to upgrade from Code B to Code C1?
Yes. You cannot use your Code 1 (light vehicle) learner's licence for a Code C1 test. You must obtain a fresh Code 3 heavy-vehicle learner's licence, which covers C1, C, EC1, and EC. The heavy learner's test includes additional questions on air brakes, articulated vehicles, and following distances for heavy vehicles.
QWhat is the minimum age for a Code C1 licence in South Africa?
The minimum age for a Code C1 drivers licence in South Africa is 18 years old. You do not need to hold a Code B licence first — you can go straight from no licence to Code C1, although most drivers progress through Code B first.
QDo I need a PrDP to drive a Code C1 vehicle?
It depends on what you're using the vehicle for. To get the Code C1 licence itself, no PrDP is required. However, to legally drive a goods vehicle with a GVM over 3,500 kg on public roads, you need a PrDP G (goods) endorsement. To carry passengers commercially or transport more than 12 people including the driver (e.g. a Toyota Coaster), you also need a PrDP P (passenger) endorsement.
QHow long does it take to get a Code C1 licence?
Most people complete the full Code C1 process in 2–4 months. This includes studying for and passing the heavy-vehicle learner's licence (1–2 weeks), 10–15 driving lessons in a truck (4–8 weeks depending on availability), and waiting for a yard and road test booking. Truck test slots are usually less available than Code B slots.
QIs Code EB the same as Code 10?
No. Code EB (old Code 8) covers light vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM with the ability to tow trailers over 750 kg. Code C1 (Code 10) covers medium-heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. These are completely different licence classes.
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