The Code A1 drivers license is South Africa's entry-level motorcycle license, designed for younger riders and those starting their motorcycling journey. If you're 16-17 years old or prefer smaller, more economical motorcycles under 125cc, Code A1 is your pathway to two-wheeled freedom. This complete guide explains everything about the Code A1 license including age requirements, costs, what you can ride, and how to obtain this youth-friendly qualification.
What is a Code A1 Drivers License?
A Code A1 drivers license authorizes you to ride small motorcycles with engine capacities up to 125cc. It's South Africa's restricted motorcycle license, perfect for beginners, young riders (16+), and anyone who wants to ride scooters, mopeds, or entry-level motorcycles.
Previously known as "Code 01" before the 1998 licensing system update, Code A1 is specifically designed as a stepping stone for new motorcyclists or as a standalone qualification for urban commuters on smaller bikes.
Code A1 vs Code 01: What's the Difference?
There is NO difference - they are the same license:
- • Code 01 = Old name (used before 1998)
- • Code A1 = Current official name (since 1998)
Your license card will display "A1" but many people still refer to it as "Code 01" or "small bike license." All terms are correct and interchangeable.
What Can You Ride with a Code A1 License?
✓ Motorcycles Up to 125cc:
- • Motorcycles with engine capacity not exceeding 125cc
- • Sport bikes 125cc (Yamaha YZF-R125, KTM RC 125)
- • Standard/naked 125cc bikes (Honda CB125F)
- • Scooters up to 125cc (Vespa, Honda PCX, Yamaha)
- • Mopeds and small displacement bikes
- • Off-road bikes up to 125cc
- • Dual-sport 125cc motorcycles
Electric Motorcycles:
- • Electrically powered motorcycles in equivalent power class
- • Electric scooters with similar performance to 125cc
With or Without:
- • Sidecars
- • Passenger seats (once licensed, not on learner's)
- • Luggage and accessories
✕ What You CANNOT Ride:
- • Motorcycles over 125cc (need Code A)
- • Cars or light vehicles (need Code B)
- • Trucks or buses (need Code C)
- • Motor tricycles (typically need Code A)
Code A1 vs Code A: Key Differences
Code A1 (Small Motorcycle)
- • Up to 125cc only
- • Min age: 16 (learner), 17 (license)
- • Perfect for beginners
- • Lower insurance costs
- • Cheaper bikes
- • Restricted to smaller motorcycles
Code A (Full Motorcycle)
- • ALL motorcycles (any engine size)
- • Minimum age: 18 years
- • Experienced riders
- • No restrictions
- • Access to full range of bikes
- • Higher insurance and bike costs
When to Choose A1:
- • You're 16-17 years old
- • Want to learn on smaller bikes
- • Budget constraints
- • Urban commuting only
When to Go Straight to A:
- • You're 18+ years old
- • Plan to upgrade bikes soon
- • Want unlimited options
- • Serious about motorcycling
Code A1 Drivers License Requirements
Age Requirements
- • Minimum age for learner's: 16 years old
- • Minimum age for license: 17 years old
- • One of the youngest licenses available in SA
Prerequisite License
- • You do NOT need Code B (car license) first
- • Code A1 can be your first license at age 16
- • No other prerequisites required
Documents Needed
- • Valid South African ID document or passport
- • Birth certificate (if under 18)
- • Parental consent (if under 18)
- • Proof of residential address
- • Eye test certificate
- • Code 1 learner's license
- • Completed application forms
Testing Requirements
- • Pass Code 1 learner's license test (75% or higher)
- • Complete yard test on 125cc motorcycle
- • Pass road test with examiner following
- • Demonstrate K53 defensive riding
- • Show proper motorcycle control
Code A1 License Cost (2025)
Official Government Fees:
Training Costs:
Safety Gear:
(Including training and safety gear)
Note: Code A1 is generally cheaper than Code A due to smaller training bikes and less intensive courses.
How to Get Your Code A1 License: Step-by-Step
Turn 16 and Get Parental Consent
- • Must be at least 16 years old
- • Get parents/guardians to consent (if under 18)
- • Have birth certificate ready
Obtain Code 1 Learner's License
- • Book appointment at DLTC
- • Complete eye test
- • Study motorcycle learner's manual
- • Pass learner's test (75% pass mark)
- • Receive Code 1 learner's license
Get Proper Safety Gear
- • Approved helmet (most important!)
- • Motorcycle jacket with armor
- • Gloves and boots
- • Long pants
Learn to Ride
- • Motorcycle Training School (Highly Recommended) - Professional instruction, bikes provided
- • Self-taught with supervision - Practice with licensed rider, cheaper but slower
Practice Riding
- • Minimum 15-25 hours recommended
- • Master basic controls
- • Practice yard maneuvers
- • Build road confidence
Book and Pass Driving Test
- • Schedule test at DLTC (must be 17+)
- • Bring 125cc motorcycle
- • Complete yard and road test
- • Demonstrate safe riding
Receive Your License
- • Collect license card (4-6 weeks)
- • Temporary license issued immediately
- • Valid for 5 years
- • Upgrade to Code A when you turn 18 (if desired)
Code A1 License Test: What to Expect
Pre-Ride Inspection
Basic safety checks:
- • Tires (pressure and condition)
- • Brakes (front and rear)
- • Lights (all working)
- • Horn and mirrors
- • Chain (tension and lubrication)
- • Throttle and clutch operation
Yard Test
1. Slow Riding
Ride slowly in control, maintain balance, feet up, smooth operation
2. Figure 8 or Circle
Ride in figure-8 pattern or circles with low speed control
3. Emergency Stop
Accelerate to moderate speed, stop quickly when signaled, use both brakes
4. Swerve (if required)
Avoid obstacle by swerving while maintaining control
Road Test
Duration: 20-30 minutes (shorter than Code A)
Assessed On:
- • Basic motorcycle control
- • Lane positioning
- • Observation and mirrors
- • Signaling
- • Speed control
- • Intersection handling
- • Hazard awareness
- • K53 compliance
Easier than Code A: Less intensive, shorter duration, more forgiving for beginners, smaller bikes easier to control.
Pass Requirements:
- • Score 75% or higher
- • No critical errors
- • Safe riding demonstrated
Best 125cc Motorcycles for Code A1
Sport/Naked (R30k-R65k)
- • Yamaha YZF-R125
- • KTM RC 125
- • Honda CB125F
- • Yamaha YBR125
Scooters (R20k-R75k)
- • Honda PCX 125
- • Yamaha NMAX 125
- • Vespa Primavera 125
- • Suzuki Burgman 125
Dual-Sport (R35k-R50k)
- • Yamaha XTZ 125
- • Honda XR125L
Budget Commuters (R20k-R35k)
- • Bajaj Boxer 125
- • TVS Apache 125
- • Hero Glamour 125
Upgrading from Code A1 to Code A
When you turn 18 or want bigger bikes:
Process:
- 1. Keep your Code 1 learner's (still valid)
- 2. Practice on bikes over 125cc
- 3. Book Code A driving test
- 4. Take test on bike over 125cc
- 5. Pass and receive Code A license
Cost:
- • Just the driving test fee (R240)
- • Plus any additional training needed
- • Much cheaper than starting fresh
Benefits of Upgrading:
- • Ride any motorcycle
- • No engine restrictions
- • Better highway capability
- • More powerful bikes
- • Career opportunities
Safety for Young Riders
Code A1 riders are often teenagers - extra safety considerations:
Gear is Non-Negotiable:
- • Always wear full protective gear
- • Helmet must fit properly
- • Don't ride without armor
- • Visibility is critical (bright colors)
Riding Rules:
- • Obey speed limits strictly
- • Avoid riding in bad weather initially
- • Stay off freeways until experienced
- • Don't carry passengers until confident
- • Avoid peer pressure to show off
Parent Guidelines:
- • Ensure proper training
- • Don't rush the process
- • Quality gear is essential
- • Supervise early riding
- • Set boundaries and rules
Common Code A1 License Questions
What's the youngest age for a motorcycle license?
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Can I ride on the freeway with Code A1?
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Do I need to upgrade to Code A?
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Can I ride a 150cc bike with Code A1?
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How long does Code A1 take to get?
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Is Code A1 easier than Code A?
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Do I need parental permission?
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Are 125cc bikes fast enough?
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Tips for Passing Your Code A1 Test
- 1. Take professional training - Worth every cent
- 2. Practice slow-speed control - Most important skill
- 3. Master emergency stops - Both brakes smoothly
- 4. Do shoulder checks constantly - Examiners watch for this
- 5. Stay relaxed - Tension causes mistakes
- 6. Test on a bike you know - Familiarity builds confidence
- 7. Arrive early - Check bike, reduce nerves
- 8. Wear proper gear - Shows responsibility
- 9. Follow K53 precisely - Mirror checks, observations
- 10. Don't rush - Smooth and steady wins
Common Mistakes:
- • Dropping bike in slow maneuvers
- • Forgetting shoulder checks
- • Harsh braking or stalling
- • Poor observation
Why Choose Code A1?
For Young Riders
- • Start riding at 16 (learner's)
- • Build skills on manageable bikes
- • Less intimidating
- • Gain experience before Code A
Economic Benefits
- • Cheaper bikes (R20k - R60k)
- • Lower insurance premiums
- • Better fuel economy (40-50 km/l)
- • Cheaper maintenance
Practical Advantages
- • Easy to ride in traffic
- • Excellent for urban commuting
- • Easy parking
- • Light and maneuverable
Career Opportunities
- • Food delivery (Uber Eats, Mr D)
- • Courier services
- • Document delivery
- • Local errands
Code A1 License Renewal
Your Code A1 license expires every 5 years:
Renewal Process:
- • Visit DLTC before expiry
- • Bring ID and current license
- • Complete eye test
- • Pay renewal fee (R200-R300)
- • New card in 4-6 weeks
Note: You can upgrade to Code A during renewal if you're now 18+ and practiced on larger bikes.
Conclusion
The Code A1 drivers license is an excellent entry point into motorcycling, especially for younger riders aged 16-17 who are too young for Code A. It provides affordable, economical, and practical two-wheeled transportation while building fundamental riding skills on manageable motorcycles.
Whether you're a teenager gaining independence, a student needing cheap transport, or someone starting their motorcycling journey on smaller bikes, Code A1 offers a safe and legal pathway to riding freedom.
Remember: Code A1 allows motorcycles up to 125cc, requires you to be 16+ for learner's and 17+ for the full license, and costs R5,500-R15,000 including training and gear. The license is valid for 5 years and you can upgrade to Code A anytime after turning 18.
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