The Code EB drivers license is a specialized extension of the standard Code B license that authorizes you to tow heavy trailers in South Africa. If you want to tow a caravan, boat trailer, horsebox, or any trailer exceeding 750 kg, you need a Code EB license. This comprehensive guide explains everything about Code EB, including requirements, costs, what you can tow, and how to obtain this valuable qualification.
What is a Code EB Drivers License?
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.
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.
Code EB vs Code 8 with Trailer: What's the Difference?
There is NO difference in practice:
- • Code 8 + Trailer = Old terminology (pre-1998)
- • Code EB = Current official name (since 1998)
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.
What Can You Drive with a Code EB License?
✓ All Code B Vehicles:
- • Cars, SUVs, bakkies
- • Vans and minibuses
- • Any light motor vehicle up to 3,500 kg GVM
✓ PLUS Heavy Trailers:
- • Caravans (any weight)
- • Boat trailers (any weight)
- • Horseboxes
- • Large utility trailers
- • Construction equipment trailers
- • Car trailers
- • Enclosed trailers
- • Tandem-axle trailers
- • Agricultural trailers (for personal use)
✓ Articulated Vehicles:
- • Articulated combinations with GCM up to 3,500 kg
- • Rigid vehicles (up to 3,500 kg) towing trailers over 750 kg
Weight Limits:
- • Vehicle: Maximum 3,500 kg GVM (same as Code B)
- • Trailer: No upper weight limit
- • Combined weight (GCM): Depends on vehicle's towing capacity
Important: While Code EB legally allows any trailer weight, you must still stay within your vehicle's manufacturer-specified towing capacity for safety and insurance purposes.
✕ Code EB Does NOT Authorize:
- • Vehicles over 3,500 kg (need Code C1 or higher)
- • Motorcycles (need Code A)
- • Articulated vehicles over 3,500 kg GCM (need Code EC1)
- • Commercial heavy trailers for reward (may need PrDP)
Code EB Drivers License Requirements
Age Requirements
- • Minimum age: 18 years old
Prerequisite License
- • Must already hold a valid Code B drivers license
- • Cannot apply for Code EB without Code B first
Documents Needed
- • Valid South African ID document or passport
- • Proof of residential address
- • Valid Code B drivers license
- • Eye test certificate (if required by DLTC)
- • Completed application forms
- • Photos (if required by DLTC)
Testing Requirements
- • Yard test with vehicle and heavy trailer
- • Road test with vehicle and heavy trailer
- • Demonstrate coupling/uncoupling
- • Show proper trailer control
- • K53 defensive driving with trailer
No Medical Required
Unlike heavy vehicle licenses, Code EB typically doesn't require a medical certificate (unless you have specific health concerns).
Code EB License Cost (2025)
The cost of obtaining a Code EB drivers license is relatively affordable:
Official Government Fees:
Driving School Costs:
Note: If you already have Code B and good driving skills, you may need minimal training, reducing costs significantly.
How to Get Your Code EB License: Step-by-Step
Ensure You Have Code B
- • You must already hold a valid Code B drivers license
- • Cannot skip to Code EB without Code B first
Practice with a Trailer (Recommended)
- • Practice basic towing with a licensed Code EB driver
- • Get comfortable with a trailer behind your vehicle
- • Learn coupling and uncoupling
- • Practice reversing with a trailer
Enroll in Training (Highly Recommended)
- • Choose a driving school offering Code EB training
- • Book 4-8 professional lessons
- • Learn proper coupling, weight distribution, reversing, cornering, and braking
Book Your Driving Test
- • Visit your nearest DLTC or book online (eNatis portal for Gauteng)
- • Bring all required documents
- • Arrange test vehicle with suitable trailer
Take Your Driving Test
- • Pre-trip inspection (vehicle and trailer)
- • Coupling demonstration
- • Yard test (reversing with trailer)
- • Road test (30-45 minutes driving with trailer)
Receive Your License
- • Pass both yard and road components
- • License card ready in 4-6 weeks
- • New card will show "EB" code
- • Valid for 5 years
Code EB License Test: What to Expect
Pre-Trip Inspection
Check and report on:
- • Trailer coupling (ball hitch, pin)
- • Safety chains properly attached
- • Breakaway cable connected
- • Trailer lights functioning
- • Tire condition and pressure
- • Load properly secured
- • Trailer brakes (if equipped)
- • Mirrors adjusted for trailer width
- • Number plate visible
Coupling Demonstration
- • Align vehicle with trailer
- • Lower hitch onto ball/coupling
- • Secure locking mechanism
- • Attach safety chains (crossed pattern)
- • Connect breakaway cable
- • Connect electrical plug
- • Raise jockey wheel/stand
- • Perform safety pull test
Yard Test
1. Straight Line Reversing
Reverse trailer in straight line between markers, maintaining control and alignment
2. Reversing Around a Corner
Reverse trailer around 90-degree turn while keeping aligned with markers
3. Parking
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.
Road Test
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Assessed On:
- • Moving off safely with trailer
- • Lane positioning (allow for width)
- • Cornering (wider turns needed)
- • Braking smoothly with load
- • Following distance (increased)
- • Mirror checks (constantly)
- • Hill starts with trailer
- • Speed management
- • Intersection navigation
- • K53 compliance
Pass Requirements:
- • Score 75% or higher
- • No critical errors
- • Demonstrate safe trailer handling throughout
Common Challenges in Code EB Test
Reversing with a Trailer (Most Common Fail)
- • Trailer goes opposite direction when reversing
- • Requires practice and spatial awareness
- • Small steering inputs work best
- • Easy to jackknife if you turn too far
Tip: Place hand on bottom of steering wheel. Move hand in direction you want trailer to go. Make small corrections.
Cornering
- • Trailers track inside vehicle's path
- • Need to take wider turns
- • Risk of hitting curbs or markers
Braking
- • Trailer adds weight = longer stopping
- • Brake earlier and more gently
- • Risk of trailer pushing vehicle
Do You Really Need Code EB?
Ask Yourself - Do You Tow or Plan to Tow:
- • A caravan for holidays?
- • A boat on a trailer?
- • Horses in a horsebox?
- • Heavy equipment for work?
- • Large utility trailers?
- • Car trailers?
Code B is Sufficient:
- • Small camping trailer under 750 kg
- • Light utility trailer under 750 kg
- • Small boat trailer under 750 kg
Code EB REQUIRED:
- • Any trailer over 750 kg GVM
- • Most caravans
- • Most boat trailers
- • Horseboxes
Legal Consequences Without Code EB:
- • Driving illegally (criminal offense)
- • Fines (R1,000 - R2,000+)
- • Vehicle and trailer impoundment
- • Insurance claims may be rejected
- • Demerit points on license
- • Possible arrest
Always check the trailer's GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) on the compliance plate.
Automatic vs Manual Transmission
CODE EB FOLLOWS YOUR CODE B:
- • If your Code B is manual = Code EB is manual
- • If your Code B is automatic-restricted = Code EB is automatic-restricted
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 for Professional Use
When You Need a PrDP:
- • Towing for reward (paid work)
- • Commercial delivery with trailer
- • Business operations
- • Operating license required
No PrDP Needed:
- • Your own caravan on holiday
- • Your own boat
- • Personal equipment
- • Non-commercial purposes
Code EB License Renewal
Code EB renews with your Code B license:
Renewal Process:
- • Visit DLTC 3 months before expiry
- • Bring ID and current license
- • Complete eye test
- • Pay renewal fee (R200-R300)
- • New license card in 4-6 weeks
- • Code EB included automatically (no separate fee)
Common Code EB License Questions
Can I tow a caravan with just Code B?
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How long does it take to get Code EB?
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What's the weight limit for Code EB trailers?
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Is Code EB difficult to get?
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Can I drive a truck with Code EB?
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How much does Code EB cost?
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Do I need trailer brakes?
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Tips for Passing Your Code EB Test
- 1. Practice reversing extensively - This fails most people
- 2. Master hand-over-hand technique - For reversing with trailer
- 3. Use both mirrors constantly - Essential for trailer awareness
- 4. Take lessons from a professional - They know what examiners want
- 5. Practice in the same vehicle - Test in what you trained with
- 6. Load the trailer - Practice with weight similar to test conditions
- 7. Stay calm - Nerves cause mistakes with trailers
- 8. Plan ahead - Trailers need more space and time
- 9. Go slow in the yard test - Accuracy over speed
- 10. Check coupling thoroughly - Examiner watches this carefully
Trailer Safety Tips
Loading
- • Load heavy items low and forward
- • Distribute weight evenly
- • Secure all cargo properly
- • Never exceed load rating
- • Aim for 60% front, 40% rear
Driving
- • Reduce speed (10-20 km/h below normal)
- • Increase following distance
- • Brake gently and early
- • Avoid sudden maneuvers
- • Check mirrors frequently
Maintenance
- • Check tire pressure
- • Inspect coupling before every trip
- • Test trailer lights
- • Grease bearings regularly
- • Check brake function
Emergency (Trailer Sway)
- • Don't brake hard
- • Let off accelerator gradually
- • Steer straight
- • Allow trailer to settle
- • Never accelerate through sway
Why Get a Code EB License?
Holiday Freedom
- • Tow caravans anywhere
- • Bring your own accommodation
- • Camp at your convenience
- • Save on hotel costs
Recreational Activities
- • Tow boats for fishing, skiing
- • Transport horses for shows
- • Carry camping equipment
- • Bring bikes, motorcycles, ATVs
Practical Uses
- • Move furniture and large items
- • Transport building materials
- • Carry work equipment
- • Help friends and family move
Investment Value
- • Relatively cheap (R2,500-R6,000)
- • Valid for 5 years
- • Opens many possibilities
- • Valuable skill
Code EB vs Code EC1
Code EB (Personal Use)
- • For light vehicles (up to 3,500 kg)
- • Towing heavy trailers
- • Based on Code B
- • Perfect for personal use
- • Caravans, boats, horses
Code EC1 (Commercial)
- • Articulated vehicles up to 16,000 kg GCM
- • Professional/commercial use
- • Requires Code C1 first
- • More expensive to obtain
- • Career-focused
If you only need to tow for personal reasons (caravan, boat), Code EB is the right choice.
Conclusion
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 (R2,500-R6,000), 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.
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