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The licence for towing a caravan, boat or horsebox over 750 kg. The 3,500 kg limit is on your tow vehicle, not on the vehicle and trailer combined.
A Code EB licence lets you drive a light motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of up to 3,500 kg while towing a trailer with a GVM over 750 kg. Code B, the standard car licence, caps the trailer at 750 kg. Code EB removes that cap. It is the licence you need for a caravan, boat trailer, horsebox or any trailer heavier than 750 kg.
The 3,500 kg figure applies to your tow vehicle, not to the vehicle and trailer added together. This is the single most misreported fact about Code EB, and we explain why below.
You must already hold a Code B licence, be 18 or older, and pass a separate driving test with a trailer attached. There is no second learner's test.
A Code EB drivers license extends your Code B (standard car license) to include the ability to tow heavier trailers. While Code B only permits trailers up to 750 kg, Code EB removes this restriction, allowing you to tow significantly heavier loads behind your light motor vehicle.
This page explains what the licence is and what it covers. If you already know you need one and just want the process, read upgrading from Code B to EB, step by step.
The "EB" designation means:
• E = Trailer/combination category
• B = Based on Code B light motor vehicles
Code EB is one of the most practical license upgrades for South African motorists who enjoy caravanning, boating, horse riding, or need to transport heavy equipment regularly.
You will often read that Code EB only covers a combined weight of 3,500 kg. Taken literally that would mean almost nobody towing a caravan is legally covered, because a 2,200 kg bakkie plus a 1,500 kg caravan already exceeds it.
The confusion comes from Code EB covering two different situations, which get merged together:
The 3,500 kg combination figure belongs to the second case. Applying it to the first is what produces the claim that your car and caravan together must stay under 3,500 kg.
In practice the licence code is rarely the binding constraint. These are:
Sources disagree on the finer points of the regulation, and traffic officers do not always read it the same way. If your combination is near any of these limits, confirm with your DLTC and your insurer before you tow.
There is NO difference in practice:
Both terms refer to the same qualification. Your license card will display "EB" as the code, but many people still refer to it as "Code 8 with trailer" in everyday conversation.
The rule people miss: your braked trailer's GVM cannot be more than your tow vehicle's tare mass. A 1,600 kg bakkie may not legally tow a 2,000 kg caravan even though your EB licence covers the category and the caravan is under 3,500 kg. Check your tare on the licence disc and the trailer's GVM on its plate before you buy either.
Figures per CAR Magazine's summary of the National Road Traffic Act. We could not locate a regulation number to cite directly, so confirm with your DLTC if you are close to any of these limits.
Unlike heavy vehicle licenses, Code EB typically doesn't require a medical certificate (unless you have specific health concerns).
The cost of obtaining a Code EB drivers license is relatively affordable:
Note: If you already have Code B and good driving skills, you may need minimal training, reducing costs significantly.
Check and report on:
Reverse trailer in straight line between markers, maintaining control and alignment
Reverse trailer around 90-degree turn while keeping aligned with markers
Park vehicle and trailer in designated space with proper control
Key Skills Tested: Smooth reversing, proper steering input (opposite direction), mirror usage, spatial awareness, trailer control.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Tip: Place hand on bottom of steering wheel. Move hand in direction you want trailer to go. Make small corrections.
Always check the trailer's GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) on the compliance plate.
CODE EB FOLLOWS YOUR CODE B:
You cannot change transmission type when upgrading to Code EB. Your Code EB will have the same restriction as your Code B license.
Code EB renews with your Code B license:
If you only need to tow for personal reasons (caravan, boat), Code EB is the right choice.
The Code EB drivers license is an extremely practical and valuable qualification for any South African motorist who tows or plans to tow heavy trailers. Whether you're a caravanner, boat owner, horse rider, or just need the flexibility to tow large loads, Code EB gives you the legal authority and skills to do so safely.
The license is relatively affordable (R3,000-R7,000), takes only a few weeks to obtain, and lasts 5 years. The investment opens up a world of possibilities for holidays, recreation, and practical transport needs.
Remember: If your trailer exceeds 750 kg GVM, you MUST have Code EB to tow it legally. Driving without the proper license can result in fines, impoundment, and rejected insurance claims.
Get answers to frequently asked questions
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