Understanding the SA Driving Licence System
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.
Key Points:
- •Different codes authorize different vehicle types
- •A learner's licence is mandatory before applying
- •Minimum age requirements vary by category
- •Professional driving permits (PrDP) may be required for commercial use
The Four Main Licence Categories
Motorcycles and motor tricycles
Light motor vehicles (up to 3,500 kg)
Heavy motor vehicles
Combination and articulated vehicles
🏍️ Motorcycle Licences (Code A)
Code A1
Previously: Code 01 / Small Motorcycle Licence
What You Can Ride:
- • Motorcycles with engine capacity up to 125cc
- • Motorcycles with or without sidecars
- • Scooters and mopeds within the engine limit
- • Electrically powered motorcycles in the same power class
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.
Code A
Previously: Code 02 / Full Motorcycle Licence
What You Can Ride:
- • All motorcycles, regardless of engine size
- • High-powered superbikes
- • Touring bikes and cruisers
- • Sport bikes exceeding 125cc
- • Motor tricycles and quadricycles
Perfect For: Experienced riders, long-distance motorcyclists, sport bike enthusiasts, and anyone riding high-performance motorcycles.
🚘 Light Motor Vehicle Licences (Code B)
Code B
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.'
What You Can Drive:
- • Passenger cars (sedans, hatchbacks, coupes)
- • SUVs and crossovers
- • Bakkies (pickup trucks)
- • Minibuses
- • Vans and panel vans
- • Any light motor vehicle with GVM up to 3,500 kg
- • Small trailers up to 750 kg GVM
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.
Code EB
Previously: Code 8 + Trailer
What You Can Drive:
- • All vehicles covered under Code B
- • Trailers exceeding 750 kg GVM, including:
- - Caravans
- - Large utility trailers
- - Boat trailers
- - Horseboxes
- - Construction equipment trailers
- • Articulated vehicles with GCM up to 3,500 kg
Perfect For: Holiday makers towing caravans, horse riders, boat owners, contractors moving equipment.
🚛 Medium to Heavy Vehicle Licences (Code C)
Code C1
Previously: Code 10 / Medium Truck Licence
What You Can Drive:
- • Trucks, vans, and buses weighing 3,500 kg to 16,000 kg GVM
- • Medium delivery trucks
- • Minibuses and small buses
- • Ambulances
- • Fire-fighting vehicles
- • Refuse collection vehicles
- • Light trailers up to 750 kg GVM
Perfect For: Delivery truck operators, minibus taxi drivers, municipal service vehicle drivers.
Code C
Previously: Code 11–12 / Heavy Truck or Bus Licence
What You Can Drive:
- • Heavy rigid trucks exceeding 16,000 kg GVM
- • Large buses over 16,000 kg GVM
- • Municipal heavy vehicles
- • Construction vehicles
- • Large freight trucks (without detachable trailer)
- • Light trailers under 750 kg GVM
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 Heavy Vehicle Licences (Code E)
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.
Code EC1
Previously: Code 14– / Medium Articulated
What You Can Drive:
- • All vehicles under Code B, EB, and C1
- • Articulated vehicles with GCM up to 16,000 kg
- • Rigid vehicles (3,500–16,000 kg) towing trailers over 750 kg
- • Trucks with detachable trailers where combined mass exceeds 3,500 kg
- • Medium truck and trailer combinations
Perfect For: Regional freight drivers, medium articulated vehicle operators.
Code EC
Previously: Code 14 / Full Heavy Truck + Trailer
This is the highest level of driving licence in South Africa.
What You Can Drive:
- • All vehicles covered under Code B, EB, C1, C, and EC1
- • Any articulated vehicle combination with no upper weight limit
- • Superlink trucks
- • Fuel tankers
- • Interlink combinations
- • Long-haul freight trucks
- • Heavy-duty trailers and semi-trailers
- • Articulated buses
Perfect For: Professional long-haul truck drivers, logistics fleet operators, fuel tanker drivers, experienced commercial drivers.
⚠️ Understanding K53: It's NOT a Licence Type
Many people mistakenly believe that K53 is a type of driving licence, similar to Code 8 or Code 14. This is incorrect.
What K53 Actually Is
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.
K53 Covers:
- • Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- • Five-point observation and mirror checks
- • Blind-spot checking techniques
- • Defensive driving principles
- • Road positioning and lane discipline
- • Following distances and safety gaps
- • Gear and clutch control
- • Yard test maneuvers
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.
Professional Driving Permit (PrDP)
A PrDP is not a licence code, but an additional permit required for certain types of commercial driving.
When You Need a PrDP:
- • Goods vehicles with GVM exceeding 3,500 kg
- • Breakdown or towing vehicles
- • Any bus, regardless of size
- • Minibuses over 3,500 kg or designed for 12+ people
- • Vehicles transporting passengers for reward (taxis, Uber, shuttles)
- • Vehicles transporting dangerous goods
- • Any vehicle carrying 12+ people including driver
PrDP Requirements:
- • Valid driving licence for appropriate category
- • Medical fitness certificate
- • Police criminal clearance check
- • No driving-related criminal record in past 5 years
- • Must be 25+ for dangerous goods vehicles
Note: A PrDP is valid for 24 months and must be renewed before expiry. Processing can take up to 12 weeks.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| 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) |
How to Apply for a Driving Licence
Step 1: Get Your Learner's Licence
Valid for 24 months. Requirements:
- • Valid SA ID or passport
- • Proof of residential address
- • Eye test certificate
- • Pass written test (75% or higher)
Step 2: Practice Driving
Practice with a fully licensed driver. It's recommended to complete at least 10 professional lessons before testing.
Step 3: Book and Pass Your Test
The test has two parts:
- • Yard Test: Parallel parking, alley docking, three-point turns
- • Road Test: Driving safely in real traffic
Step 4: Receive Your Licence Card
Ready for collection within 4-6 weeks. Valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.
Automatic vs Manual Transmission
South Africa does not have a separate 'automatic licence code.' However:
- ✓Pass on manual: You can drive both manual and automatic vehicles
- ✕Pass on automatic: Restricted to automatic vehicles only (noted on licence)
⚠️ Important Legal Requirements
- • It is illegal to drive without the appropriate licence code
- • Your licence must be carried whenever you drive
- • Licences expire after 5 years and must be renewed
- • Expired licences cannot be used legally
- • Driving without valid licence can result in fines, impoundment, or arrest
Stay Legal. Stay Safe. Drive Responsibly.
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.