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Complete guide to understanding driving licence codes, requirements, and what each code authorizes you to drive.
South Africa's driving licence system uses letter-based codes that categorize licences by vehicle type, weight, and purpose. The current system has been in place since 1998 and aligns with European standards.
While you may still hear references to old numerical codes like 'Code 8' or 'Code 14,' these have been officially replaced by letter-based classifications.
South Africa switched from numbered codes to letter-based codes in 1998. Many people still use the old names. Here is the complete mapping:
| Old Code | New Code | Vehicle Type | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 1 (Code 01) | Code A1 | Small motorcycles | Up to 125cc |
| Code 2 (Code 02) | Code A | All motorcycles | No limit |
| Code 8 (Code 08) | Code B | Cars, bakkies, light vehicles | Up to 3,500 kg |
| Code 8 + Trailer | Code EB | Light vehicle + heavy trailer | Up to 3,500 kg + trailer |
| Code 10 | Code C1 | Medium trucks, buses | 3,500 - 16,000 kg |
| Code 11/12 (Heavy Rigid) | Code C | Heavy rigid trucks, buses | Over 16,000 kg |
| Code 14 (Medium) | Code EC1 | Medium articulated (truck + trailer) | Up to 16,000 kg combined |
| Code 14 (Full) | Code EC | Heavy articulated (superlinks) | No limit |
Quick answers: Yes, Code 10 is C1. Yes, Code 8 is Code B. Yes, Code 14 is EC (or EC1 for medium articulated). The old numbered codes and new letter codes refer to the same licences.
Motorcycles and motor tricycles
Light motor vehicles (up to 3,500 kg)
Heavy motor vehicles
Combination and articulated vehicles
The weight limits below are the legal definition, but most people want to know which actual cars, bakkies and trucks a code covers. Here are the real vehicles behind each code, by make and model.
| Code | Vehicles You Can Drive | GVM Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Code A1Code 1 | Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles up to 125cc | 125cc engine limit |
| Code ACode 2 | All motorcycles regardless of engine size, plus everything under Code A1 | No engine limit |
| Code BCode 8 | Sedans and hatchbacks: Toyota Corolla, VW Polo, Hyundai i20, BMW 3 Series SUVs: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Hyundai Tucson Bakkies: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, VW Amarok Minibuses: Toyota Quantum and similar, for private use Delivery vans: VW Caddy, Hyundai H100 panel van | Up to 3,500 kg |
| Code EBCode 9 | Everything under Code B, plus a trailer over 750 kg GVM — a car towing a caravan, boat trailer or horsebox. A trailer of 750 kg or less needs only Code B. | 3,500 kg + trailer |
| Code C1Code 10 | Medium trucks: Isuzu NPR, Hino 300 series, Fuso Canter Delivery trucks: 4-tonne and 8-tonne trucks Small buses under 16,000 kg, large panel vans, plus everything under Code B | 3,501–16,000 kg |
| Code CCode 13 | Heavy rigid trucks, large buses over 16,000 kg, refuse trucks, concrete mixers, fire engines and construction vehicles, plus everything under Code C1 and Code B | Over 16,000 kg (rigid) |
| Code EC1Code 11 | Medium truck-tractor and semi-trailer combinations where the truck-tractor is 16,000 kg GVM or less and the trailer is over 750 kg, plus everything under Code C1 and Code B | Tractor up to 16,000 kg |
| Code ECCode 14 | Superlinks and interlink trailer combinations Tankers: fuel and chemical tankers Car carriers, flatbed semi-trailers, container trucks, refrigerated trailers, plus everything under Code C, C1 and B | No upper limit |
Pass on an automatic and your licence is restricted to automatics. Pass on a manual and you can drive both. For specific models and their GVM figures, see the detailed Code 8 vehicles list.
Every weight limit above is a GVM figure. GVM is the maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle when fully loaded — the vehicle itself plus passengers, fuel and cargo. It is set by the manufacturer, not by how heavy the vehicle happens to be on the day.
GVM is not kerb weight. A bakkie might weigh 2,000 kg empty but have a GVM of 3,200 kg once you include its maximum payload. It is the GVM figure that decides which licence code you need.
Previously: Code 01 / Small Motorcycle Licence
Perfect For: Entry-level riders, young riders, delivery service riders, and anyone starting on smaller bikes.
Note: A learner's licence for motorcycles does not permit carrying passengers.
Previously: Code 02 / Full Motorcycle Licence
Perfect For: Experienced riders, long-distance motorcyclists, sport bike enthusiasts, and anyone riding high-performance motorcycles.
Previously: Code 8 / Car Licence
This is the most common driving licence in South Africa and what most people refer to when they talk about getting their 'driver's licence.'
Excluded: Motorcycles and agricultural vehicles are not covered by Code B.
Perfect For: Daily commuters, families, small business owners, and anyone driving standard passenger vehicles.
Previously: Code 8 + Trailer
Perfect For: Holiday makers towing caravans, horse riders, boat owners, contractors moving equipment.
Previously: Code 10 / Medium Truck Licence
Perfect For: Delivery truck operators, minibus taxi drivers, municipal service vehicle drivers.
Previously: Code 11–12 / Heavy Truck or Bus Licence
Important: This covers rigid vehicles only. For articulated trucks (truck + trailer), you need Code EC or EC1.
Perfect For: Heavy bus operators, construction equipment operators, heavy freight truck drivers operating single-unit vehicles.
Articulated vehicles have a permanent or detachable pivot joint, commonly known as 'bendy' vehicles. These include truck-and-trailer combinations essential for long-haul freight.
Previously: Code 14– / Medium Articulated
Perfect For: Regional freight drivers, medium articulated vehicle operators.
Previously: Code 14 / Full Heavy Truck + Trailer
This is the highest level of driving licence in South Africa.
Perfect For: Professional long-haul truck drivers, logistics fleet operators, fuel tanker drivers, experienced commercial drivers.
Many people mistakenly believe that K53 is a type of driving licence, similar to Code 8 or Code 14. This is incorrect.
K53 is the official testing standard used in South Africa for all learner's licence exams and driving tests. It's the rulebook that defines how tests are conducted.
Remember: K53 doesn't appear on your licence card. It's simply the method used to test whether you're competent. Think of it as the exam format, not the qualification itself.
A PrDP is not a licence code, but an additional permit required for certain types of commercial driving.
Note: A PrDP is valid for 24 months and must be renewed before expiry. Processing can take up to 12 weeks.
| Current Code | Old Term | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Code 01 | Small motorcycles (≤ 125cc) |
| A | Code 02 | All motorcycles |
| B | Code 8 | Light motor vehicles ≤ 3,500 kg |
| EB | Code 8 + Trailer | Light vehicles + large trailer |
| C1 | Code 10 | Medium vehicles 3,500–16,000 kg |
| C | Heavy Rigid | Heavy vehicles > 16,000 kg (rigid) |
| EC1 | Code 14– | Mid-range articulated vehicles |
| EC | Code 14 | Heavy articulated (truck + trailer) |
Valid for 24 months. Requirements:
Practice with a fully licensed driver. It's recommended to complete at least 10 professional lessons before testing.
The test has two parts:
Ready for collection within 4-6 weeks. Valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.
South Africa does not have a separate 'automatic licence code.' However:
If you test on an automatic vehicle, restriction code 03 will appear on your licence. Learn more about all the restriction codes that can appear on your driver's licence:
For most people a Code B (Code 8) licence is all you need. It covers cars, SUVs, bakkies and minibuses for personal use.
If you need a licence for work, the two that matter are:
Still working from old code numbers? Our old vs new licence codes guide converts every old number to its current letter code.
With a Code B (Code 8) licence you can drive any motor vehicle with a GVM of 3,500 kg or less that is not a motorcycle. That covers sedans and hatchbacks, SUVs, most bakkies (Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, VW Amarok), minibuses for private use, and delivery vans under 3,500 kg.
A Code C1 (Code 10) licence covers vehicles with a GVM over 3,500 kg but not over 16,000 kg — medium trucks such as the Isuzu NPR, Hino 300 series and Fuso Canter, 4-tonne and 8-tonne delivery trucks, and small buses. It also includes everything covered by Code B.
Code EC (Code 14) covers articulated heavy motor vehicles — a truck-tractor with a semi-trailer over 750 kg GVM. That means superlinks, interlink combinations, fuel and chemical tankers, car carriers, flatbed semi-trailers, container trucks and refrigerated trailers. It is the highest driving licence code in South Africa.
Yes, you can drive most bakkies on a Code 8 licence. The bakkie's GVM must be 3,500 kg or less, and popular models like the Toyota Hilux (single and double cab), Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara and VW Amarok all fall within that limit.
Yes, for buses with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. If you carry passengers commercially you also need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) in the right category. Buses over 16,000 kg require a Code C licence.
It describes a Code B entitlement, where MC stands for motor cycle. You may drive any motor vehicle up to 3,500 kg GVM except a motorcycle. A standard Code B (Code 8) licence covers cars, bakkies, SUVs and light vans, but not a motorbike — that needs a separate Code A or A1, with its own learner's and driving test.
Understanding South African driving licence codes ensures you're properly qualified and legally authorized. The right licence protects you legally and contributes to safer roads for everyone.