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Understanding the old South African licence code system and what changed
Code 8 is the old name for Code B. It is the standard car driving licence in South Africa, allowing you to drive light motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg. The name changed in 1998, but the licence itself covers the same vehicles.
Code 8 was the name given to the standard car driving licence under South Africa's old numbering system. The codes at the time used numbers (8, 10, 14) to classify different licence categories based on the type and weight of vehicle you were allowed to drive.
In 1996, the National Road Traffic Act 93 was passed. When it took effect in 1998, the licence code system switched from numbers to letters to align more closely with international standards. Under this change, Code 8 became Code B.
The vehicles you can drive did not change. Only the label on the licence changed. If you held a Code 8 before the switch, your licence was automatically reclassified as Code B with no action required on your part.
A Code 8 (Code B) licence allows you to drive light motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of up to 3,500 kg. This includes:
The key factor is always the gross vehicle mass. As long as the vehicle's GVM does not exceed 3,500 kg, you can drive it with a Code 8 / Code B licence.
Yes. Your old Code 8 licence is still fully valid.
When the National Road Traffic Act changed the naming convention in 1998, all existing licences were automatically converted to the new letter-based system. There was no requirement to retake any test or visit a licensing centre for a conversion.
Your current licence card will display the letter code (B) rather than the old number (8). If you still have a very old licence card that shows Code 8, it remains legally valid, but you should renew it to get an updated card.
Remember that all South African driving licence cards must be renewed every five years. If your card has expired, visit your nearest driving licence testing centre to renew it. The renewal process does not require retesting.
Your driving licence card displays the code letter (such as B) alongside any restriction codes that apply to your licence. Common restriction codes include:
For a complete list of restriction codes and what they mean, see our driving licence restriction codes guide.
Whether you still call it Code 8 or Code B, the process to get your licence starts with a learner's test. See our full guide for requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions.
Full guide to getting your Code B licence: requirements, costs, and the driving test.
Medium truck licence for vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg.
Heavy articulated vehicle licence for 18-wheelers and large trucks.
Complete overview of every licence code in South Africa.