Code 10 Licence

Code 10 was the name used for South Africa's medium truck drivers licence under the old numbering system. The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, which came into effect in 1998, replaced the old numerical codes with a letter-based system aligned to international standards.

Under this change, Code 10 became Code C1. The vehicles you can drive and the test requirements stayed the same — only the name on your licence card changed.

Despite the official change over two decades ago, "Code 10" remains widely used in everyday conversation, job advertisements, and by driving schools across South Africa. Both terms refer to the same licence.

A Code 10 (C1) licence authorises you to drive medium trucks and buses with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. It also includes everything Code B (old Code 8) covers.

Medium Trucks and Buses

• -- Delivery trucks: Hino 300 and 500 series, Isuzu FTR and FSR, UD Croner
• -- Small buses: Toyota Coaster, Iveco Daily bus
• -- Goods vehicles, box trucks, and panel vans over 3,500 kg
• -- Refrigerated trucks within the weight range
• -- Tow trucks and breakdown vehicles

Light Vehicles (Code B Included)

• -- Cars, sedans, hatchbacks
• -- Bakkies and double cabs
• -- SUVs and minivans
• -- Light delivery vehicles under 3,500 kg

Yes. When the new system took effect in 1998, all existing licences were automatically converted. You did not need to retake any test or submit any application.

Your current licence card displays the new letter code (C1) rather than the old number (10). This happened automatically when you renewed your licence card after the changeover.