Old vs New Driving Licence Codes in South Africa: Complete Conversion Table
South Africa switched from numbered codes (1-14) to letter codes (A1, A, B, EB, C1, C, EC1, EC) in 1998. Code 7 became B, Code 8 became EB, Code 10 became C1, and Code 14 became EC. Many people still use the old numbers, but your licence card shows the new letter codes.
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
Old vs new driving licence codes in South Africa cause endless confusion — is Code 3 the same as Code 10? Is Code B really Code 8? South Africa switched from numbered codes to letter codes in 1998, and many drivers still use the old numbers in everyday conversation. This guide gives you the complete conversion table so you know exactly which old code matches which new code.
Why South Africa Changed Licence Codes
In 1998, the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 replaced the old numbered licence code system with new letter-based codes. The change aligned South Africa's licensing system with international and SADC standards, making the codes clearer and more consistent.
The old system used numbers from 1 to 14, while the new system uses letter combinations: A1, A, B, EB, C1, C, EC1, and EC.
Complete Old vs New Licence Code Conversion Table
Here is the full mapping of every old code to its new equivalent:
| Old Code | New Code | Vehicle Type | Weight / Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | A1 | Light motorcycles | Engine up to 125cc |
| Code 2 | A | Motorcycles | Any engine size |
| Code 7 | B | Light motor vehicles | Up to 3,500 kg GVM, trailer up to 750 kg |
| Code 8 | EB | Light motor vehicles + trailer | Up to 3,500 kg GVM, trailer over 750 kg |
| Code 10 | C1 | Medium-heavy vehicles | 3,500 kg – 16,000 kg GVM |
| Code 11 | EC1 | Medium articulated vehicles | Truck-tractor up to 16,000 kg + semi-trailer over 750 kg |
| Code 13 | C | Heavy vehicles | Over 16,000 kg GVM |
| Code 14 | EC | Heavy articulated vehicles | Truck-tractor over 16,000 kg + semi-trailer over 750 kg |
Codes That No Longer Exist
Some old codes were not carried over directly into the new system:
| Old Code | What It Was | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Code 3 | All vehicles except motorcycles (provincial era) | Holders converted to appropriate heavy vehicle codes |
| Code 4 | Reserved | Not commonly issued |
| Code 5 | Reserved | Not commonly issued |
| Code 6 | Electrically powered vehicles | Absorbed into restriction codes on the new licence card |
| Code 9 | Light vehicle with trailer (alternate) | Merged into Code EB |
| Code 12 | Vehicles adapted for disabled persons | Now handled via restriction codes |
The Code 7 vs Code 8 Confusion
This is the most misunderstood part of the old system, and the reason so many people get it wrong:
- Old Code 7 became Code B — light vehicles up to 3,500 kg, with small trailers only (up to 750 kg)
- Old Code 8 became Code EB — light vehicles up to 3,500 kg, plus the ability to tow heavier trailers (over 750 kg)
Most South Africans say "Code 8" when they mean a standard car licence, but technically, if you test for a car licence today without a trailer, you get Code B (the old Code 7). To get Code EB (the actual old Code 8), you need to pass an additional trailer test.
The reason for the confusion? When the old codes were converted, everyone who had a Code 8 got EB, which is the more permissive licence. Over time, "Code 8" just became slang for "car licence," even though today's standard car licence is technically Code B (old Code 7).
Is Code 3 the Same as Code 10?
No. This is another common question, and the answer is straightforward:
- Code 3 was a very old provincial licence from before the national system. It allowed the holder to drive virtually all vehicles except motorcycles. It has no single direct equivalent in the new system — holders were converted to the appropriate heavy vehicle code based on their driving history.
- Code 10 (now Code C1) is specifically for medium-heavy motor vehicles with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. This includes delivery trucks, small buses, and medium commercial vehicles.
These are completely different licences from different eras.
Is Code C1 the Same as Code 10?
Yes. Code C1 is the direct replacement for old Code 10. If you had a Code 10, it was converted to Code C1 when you switched to the new credit-card format licence. Both cover medium-heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM.
A Code C1 (Code 10) also automatically includes everything covered by Code B — so you can drive cars, bakkies, and SUVs as well.
Is Code EB the Same as Code 10?
No. These are frequently confused, but they cover completely different vehicles:
- Code EB (old Code 8/9) = Light vehicles up to 3,500 kg + trailers over 750 kg
- Code C1 (old Code 10) = Medium-heavy vehicles from 3,500 kg to 16,000 kg
If you need to drive a medium truck or delivery vehicle over 3,500 kg, you need Code C1 — Code EB will not cover it.
Quick Reference: "Is Code X the Same as Code Y?"
| Common Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Code B Code 8? | Technically no — Code B = old Code 7. Code 8 = EB. But colloquially, yes. |
| Is Code 3 Code 10? | No. Code 3 was a broad old provincial licence. Code 10 = C1 (medium trucks). |
| Is Code C1 Code 10? | Yes. Direct equivalent. |
| Is Code EB Code 10? | No. EB = light vehicles + trailers. C1 (Code 10) = medium trucks. |
| Is Code C Code 10? | No. Code C (old Code 13) = heavy vehicles over 16,000 kg. Code 10 = C1. |
| Is Code EC Code 14? | Yes. Direct equivalent. |
| Is EC1 Code 10? | No. EC1 (old Code 11) = medium articulated vehicles. Code 10 = C1 (rigid vehicles). |
What Code Is on My Licence Card?
Your new credit-card format licence displays the letter code (A1, A, B, EB, C1, C, EC1, or EC). If you still have an old green ID-book licence, it will show the numbered code.
To convert your old licence to the new format, visit your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) with your ID document, proof of address, and old licence.
Related Guides
- Code 8 Vehicles List — Every car, SUV, and bakkie you can drive with a Code B (Code 8) licence
- Can I Drive a Bakkie or Taxi With Code 8? — Weight limits, PrDP rules, and popular vehicle examples
- What Vehicles Can I Drive With Each Licence Code? — Complete vehicle list for all licence codes
- How to Get an EB Licence — Guide to upgrading from Code B to Code EB
Find a Driving School for Your Licence
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Frequently Asked Questions
QIs Code 3 the same as Code 10?
No. Code 3 was a very old provincial licence that allowed you to drive all vehicles except motorcycles. Code 10 (now Code C1) is specifically for medium-heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM. Code 3 holders were converted to the appropriate new code based on what they were licensed to drive.
QIs Code B the same as Code 8?
Not exactly. Code B is the new equivalent of old Code 7, which covers light vehicles up to 3,500 kg with trailers up to 750 kg only. Old Code 8 actually converts to Code EB, which also allows heavier trailers. However, most South Africans use 'Code 8' colloquially to mean any standard car licence, even though the technical mapping is Code 7 = B and Code 8 = EB.
QWhen did South Africa change from old to new licence codes?
South Africa switched from the old numbered codes to the new letter codes in 1998, under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996. All old code holders were converted to the equivalent new letter code when they renewed or converted their licences.
QIs Code C1 the same as Code 10?
Yes. Code C1 is the new letter code that replaced old Code 10. Both cover medium-heavy motor vehicles with a GVM exceeding 3,500 kg but not exceeding 16,000 kg. If you had an old Code 10, it was converted to Code C1.
QIs Code EB the same as Code 10?
No. Code EB (old Code 8) covers light motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM with the ability to tow trailers over 750 kg. Code 10 (now Code C1) covers medium-heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM. These are completely different licence classes.
QWhat is Code EC the same as?
Code EC is the new letter code for old Code 14. It covers heavy articulated vehicles — a truck-tractor with a GVM exceeding 16,000 kg combined with a semi-trailer exceeding 750 kg GVM. This is the highest licence code in South Africa.
QWhat happened to Code 3, 4, 5, and 6?
Code 3 was a very old provincial licence for all vehicles except motorcycles, and holders were converted to appropriate new codes. Codes 4 and 5 were reserved and not commonly issued. Code 6 was for electrically powered vehicles and was absorbed into the new system as a restriction code rather than a standalone category.
QDo I need to convert my old code licence?
If you still have an old-format licence (the green ID-book style), you should convert it to the new credit-card format at your nearest Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Your old code will be mapped to the equivalent new letter code automatically. Bring your ID, proof of address, and the old licence.
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