The Code C drivers license is South Africa's heavy rigid vehicle license, authorizing you to operate large trucks and buses exceeding 16,000 kg. If you want to drive heavy freight trucks, large buses, or municipal heavy vehicles, Code C is your essential qualification. This comprehensive guide explains everything about the Code C license including requirements, costs, career opportunities, and the pathway to obtaining this professional qualification.
What is a Code C Drivers License?
A Code C drivers license authorizes you to drive heavy rigid vehicles - trucks and buses with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 16,000 kg. "Rigid" means single-unit vehicles without articulated trailers, though you can tow light trailers under 750 kg.
Code C represents a significant step up from Code C1, opening doors to heavy transport, large bus operations, and industrial vehicle careers.
What Can You Drive with a Code C License?
✓ All Previous Categories:
- • Everything covered by Code B, EB, and C1
- • Light motor vehicles (up to 3,500 kg)
- • Medium trucks (3,500-16,000 kg)
✓ Heavy Rigid Vehicles (Over 16,000 kg):
- • Large freight trucks (single unit)
- • Heavy-duty delivery trucks
- • Large coaches and tour buses
- • Municipal heavy vehicles
- • Construction trucks (dump trucks, concrete mixers)
- • Large rigid tankers
- • Heavy breakdown vehicles
- • Garbage compactor trucks
- • Large fire-fighting vehicles
- • Mobile cranes (under certain conditions)
✓ Buses:
- • Large passenger buses over 16,000 kg
- • Tour coaches
- • Long-distance buses
- • Charter buses
✓ Trailers:
- • Light trailers up to 750 kg GVM only
- • For heavy trailers, need Code EC or EC1
✕ What You CANNOT Drive with Code C:
- • Articulated trucks (truck with semi-trailer) - need Code EC
- • Heavy trailers over 750 kg - need Code EC or EC1
- • Motorcycles - need Code A
- • Vehicles with detachable trailers forming articulated combinations
Code C Drivers License Requirements
Age Requirements
- • Minimum age: 18 years old
Prerequisite Licenses
You MUST already hold:
- • Valid Code C1 license first
- • Valid Code B license
- • Cannot skip directly to Code C
Progression: Code B → Code C1 → Code C
Documents Needed
- • Valid South African ID or passport
- • Proof of residential address
- • Valid Code C1 drivers license
- • Code 3 learner's license (heavy vehicle)
- • Medical certificate of fitness (not older than 2 months)
- • Eye test certificate
- • Completed application forms
Testing Requirements
- • Pass theoretical component
- • Complete yard test with heavy rigid vehicle (over 16,000 kg)
- • Pass road test with examiner
- • Demonstrate proper heavy vehicle handling
- • Master K53 defensive driving for heavy vehicles
Code C License Cost (2025)
Official Government Fees:
Training Costs:
(Assuming you already have Code C1)
If Starting from Scratch:
How to Get Your Code C License: Step-by-Step
Ensure Prerequisites
- • Must hold valid Code C1 license
- • Must have Code 3 learner's license
- • Confirm medical fitness
Choose Training Provider
- • Select accredited heavy vehicle school
- • Verify they provide test vehicles over 16,000 kg
- • Check pass rates and reviews
- • Compare costs
Complete Training
- • Theoretical: Heavy rigid vehicle regulations, air brakes, load distribution
- • Practical: 15-30 hours driving with heavy truck
- • Master uphill/downhill techniques and yard maneuvers
Book Driving Test
- • Schedule at DLTC
- • Ensure test vehicle available (over 16,000 kg)
- • Bring all documents
- • Arrive early
Take Driving Test
- • Pre-trip inspection (comprehensive)
- • Yard test (maneuvers with heavy vehicle)
- • Road test (45-60 minutes)
- • Demonstrate safe heavy vehicle operation
Receive License & Apply for PrDP
- • Collect license card in 4-6 weeks
- • Apply for PrDP (mandatory for commercial driving)
- • Criminal background check required
- • PrDP valid for 24 months
Code C License Test: What to Expect
Pre-Trip Inspection
Comprehensive check (more detailed than C1):
- • All tires (condition, tread, pressure)
- • Brake system (air brakes if equipped)
- • Lights and reflectors
- • Mirrors and steering
- • Suspension and exhaust
- • Fluid levels
- • Safety equipment
- • Load securing points
- • Emergency equipment
Yard Test
1. Straight Line Reversing
Reverse heavy vehicle between markers, maintain alignment
2. Alley Docking
Reverse into designated bay with precision
3. Parallel Parking
Park large truck between markers
4. Three-Point Turn
Turn heavy vehicle in limited space
Road Test
Duration: 45-60 minutes
- • Highway and urban driving
- • Heavy vehicle handling
- • Gear selection (may have 10+ gears)
- • Braking distances (much longer)
- • Following distance (significantly increased)
- • Lane positioning
- • Mirror checks (larger blind spots)
- • Speed management
- • Observation and hazard perception
Pass Requirements:
- • Minimum 75% score
- • No critical errors
- • Proper heavy vehicle control
- • K53 compliance
Code C License Jobs and Career Opportunities
Freight & Logistics
- • Heavy rigid truck driver
- • Local delivery driver
- • Distribution center driver
- • Industrial equipment operator
Bus & Passenger
- • Bus driver (large buses)
- • Tour coach operator
- • Charter bus driver
- • Long-distance bus driver
Municipal & Services
- • Municipal truck driver
- • Waste management driver
- • Water tanker operator
- • Street cleaning vehicle operator
Specialized
- • Concrete mixer driver
- • Dump truck operator
- • Mobile crane operator
- • Fire truck driver
Average Salaries (2025):
Code C vs Code EC: Which Do You Need?
Code C
- • Heavy rigid vehicles only
- • No heavy trailers (max 750 kg)
- • Single-unit trucks
- • Buses
- • Municipal vehicles
Code EC
- • Everything Code C PLUS
- • Articulated trucks (truck + trailer)
- • Superlinks
- • Tankers with trailers
- • Unlimited combinations
Decision: Need Code C first before getting EC. If your goal is long-haul trucking, plan for EC. If driving buses or rigid trucks, Code C is sufficient. Many drivers get C, work, then upgrade to EC later.
Automatic vs Manual Transmission
- ✓Pass on MANUAL = Can drive both manual and automatic
- ✕Pass on AUTOMATIC = Restricted to automatic only
Reality: Most heavy trucks are manual (typically 10-18 speed). Automatic heavy vehicles are rare. Testing on automatic severely limits job opportunities. ALWAYS test on manual for Code C.
Common Code C License Questions
Do I need Code C1 before Code C?
▼
Can I drive a car with Code C?
▼
How long does it take to get Code C?
▼
Can I drive articulated trucks with Code C?
▼
Do I need a PrDP for Code C?
▼
What's the pass rate for Code C?
▼
How much does Code C cost?
▼
Tips for Passing Your Code C Test
- 1. Master pre-trip inspection - Very detailed for Code C
- 2. Practice in the test vehicle type - Different trucks handle differently
- 3. Understand air brakes (if equipped) - Critical knowledge
- 4. Allow MUCH longer following distance - Heavy vehicles need more space
- 5. Perfect your gear selection - May have 10+ gears
- 6. Plan far ahead - Heavy vehicles can't react quickly
- 7. Use all mirrors constantly - Massive blind spots
- 8. Stay calm - Big trucks are intimidating but manageable
- 9. Practice yard test extensively - Maneuvering is challenging
- 10. Know your height and width - Avoid hitting obstacles
Common Failure Reasons:
- • Poor pre-trip inspection
- • Hitting curbs/markers in yard test
- • Inadequate following distance
- • Gear grinding
- • Not checking blind spots
Code C Progression Path
Typical Career Path:
- 1. Start: Code B (light vehicles) - R3k-R5k
- 2. Upgrade: Code C1 (medium trucks) - R6k-R12k
- 3. Advance: Code C (heavy trucks) - R11k-R25k
- 4. Optional: Code EC (articulated) - R16k-R40k
B through C: R20,000 - R42,000
B through EC: R36,000 - R82,000
Time Frame: 3-7 months for complete B to EC progression
Why Get a Code C License?
Career Advancement
- • Step up from Code C1
- • Better job opportunities
- • Higher salaries
- • Professional recognition
Job Variety
- • Buses, trucks, municipal vehicles
- • Not limited to freight
- • Various industries
Stepping Stone to EC
- • Required for EC qualification
- • Build heavy vehicle experience
- • Foundation for articulated trucks
Earning Potential
- • R10,000 - R35,000/month
- • Overtime opportunities
- • Allowances and benefits
- • Job security
Conclusion
The Code C drivers license is a valuable professional qualification for operating heavy rigid vehicles in South Africa. Whether you're driving large buses, municipal trucks, or heavy freight vehicles, Code C provides the legal authority and skills needed for professional heavy vehicle operation.
While Code C requires Code C1 as a prerequisite and involves significant training investment (R11,000-R25,000), it opens doors to well-paying professional driving careers with salaries ranging from R10,000 to R35,000+ per month.
Remember: Code C is for heavy rigid vehicles over 16,000 kg, requires a PrDP for commercial work, and serves as the essential stepping stone to Code EC for articulated vehicles.
Related Pages
Ready to Advance Your Driving Career?
Find a certified heavy vehicle training school near you.
Find Driving Schools