Code 8 vs Code 10 — Which Licence Do You Need?

The difference between a Code 8 and Code 10 licence comes down to vehicle weight. But the details matter — especially if you drive a bakkie or need a specific licence for work.

Quick Answer

• Code 8: Light motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3,500 kg or less. This covers most passenger cars, sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and light bakkies.
• Code 10: Heavy motor vehicles with a GVM between 3,501 kg and 16,000 kg. This includes heavy-duty bakkies, light trucks, buses (up to 16,000 kg), and medium commercial vehicles.

GVM is the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle — not the empty weight. It includes passengers, cargo, fuel, and the vehicle itself. You’ll find it on the vehicle’s compliance plate or in the owner’s manual.

Comparison Table

The Bakkie Question

This is where most confusion sits. “Do I need a Code 10 for my bakkie?”

Most bakkies are Code 8. The Toyota Hilux 2.4, Ford Ranger single cab, Nissan NP200, Isuzu D-Max standard — all have a GVM under 3,500 kg. A Code 8 licence covers them.

Some heavy-duty bakkies and large SUVs need Code 10. The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 series (GVM 3,850 kg), certain Ford Ranger XL configurations with heavy-duty suspension upgrades, and some double-cab bakkies when loaded to capacity can exceed the 3,500 kg threshold.

How to check: Look at the metal compliance plate on the vehicle (usually on the door jamb or under the bonnet). It lists the GVM. If it’s 3,500 kg or under, Code 8 is fine. If it’s over 3,500 kg, you need Code 10.

A common mistake is confusing tare weight (empty weight) with GVM (maximum loaded weight). A bakkie with a tare weight of 2,100 kg might have a GVM of 3,200 kg — still Code 8. But add a heavy canopy, loaded toolboxes, and a trailer, and you could be in trouble if the combined weight exceeds what your licence allows.

Do You Need Code 8 First?

Technically, no. South African law allows you to apply directly for a Code 10 learner’s licence without holding a Code 8. You’d write the Code 10 learner’s theory test and then do the Code 10 practical test.

In practice, almost everyone gets Code 8 first. Here’s why:

• You need a car licence anyway. Even if you need Code 10 for work, you’ll drive a normal car in daily life. Code 8 gives you that immediately.
• Code 10 training assumes driving basics. Instructors teaching Code 10 expect you to already know how to drive. Most won’t take you on as a complete beginner.
• Splitting the cost. Getting Code 8 first, then upgrading to Code 10, spreads the expense over time.

The recommended path: get your Code 8, drive for a few months to build confidence, then upgrade to Code 10 if needed.

When Do You Actually Need Code 10?

The main reasons South Africans get a Code 10 licence:

Employment requirements. Many jobs in logistics, construction, agriculture, mining, and municipal services require Code 10. Job listings often specify “Code 10 with PDP” (Professional Driving Permit) as a minimum requirement. Even if the job’s primary vehicle is a light bakkie, employers prefer Code 10 holders because they can drive any vehicle in the fleet.

Heavy vehicle operation. If you drive — or plan to drive — a vehicle over 3,500 kg GVM, you’re legally required to hold at least a Code 10 licence. This includes certain horse boxes, large caravans when towing, and medium-sized trucks.

Career flexibility. A Code 10 licence significantly expands your employment options in South Africa, particularly outside of office-based work. It’s one of the most requested qualifications in blue-collar job listings.

Stepping stone to Code 14. If your goal is a Code 14 (articulated heavy vehicles, 18-wheelers), you’ll need Code 10 first. Code 14 builds on Code 10 with additional training for articulated vehicles over 16,000 kg. See our Code 14 guide for details.

Cost Comparison

Getting Code 8 From Scratch

• Learner’s licence (theory test + admin): R80–R200
• Driving lessons (15–25 hours): R3,750–R11,250
• Practical test booking: R68–R200
• Total estimate: R4,000–R11,650

Upgrading From Code 8 to Code 10

• Code 10 learner’s licence: R80–R200
• Code 10 driving lessons (8–15 hours): R2,800–R8,250
• Practical test booking: R68–R200
• Total estimate: R3,000–R8,650

The upgrade is cheaper because you already know how to drive. Code 10 training focuses on the differences: larger vehicle handling, air brakes, wider turning circles, and the specific K53 requirements for heavy vehicles.

For full pricing details, check our driving school prices guide.

The Upgrade Process

If you already hold a Code 8 and want to upgrade to Code 10:

1. Write the Code 10 learner’s test. Book at your nearest testing centre. The theory test covers heavy vehicle-specific rules, road signs, and vehicle control. Study the K53 manual’s heavy vehicle section.
2. Take Code 10 driving lessons. Find a driving school that offers Code 10 training. They’ll provide the heavy vehicle for your lessons and test. Most learners need 8–15 lessons.
3. Book and pass the practical test. The K53 practical for Code 10 includes yard manoeuvres (with a larger vehicle) and a road test. The pre-trip vehicle inspection is more detailed than Code 8.
4. Licence issued. Once you pass, your new licence card reflects Code 10, which automatically includes Code 8 — you don’t lose your light vehicle licence.

Which Should You Get?

Get Code 8 if:

• You drive a standard car, SUV, or light bakkie
• You don’t need a heavy vehicle licence for work
• You’re learning to drive for the first time

Get Code 10 if:

• Your job requires it (or jobs you’re targeting require it)
• You drive a vehicle over 3,500 kg GVM
• You want to upgrade your career options
• You plan to eventually get Code 14

Not sure? Start with Code 8. It covers the vast majority of vehicles on South African roads. You can always upgrade later — and the upgrade process is straightforward.

Find a Driving School

Browse driving schools near you that offer both Code 8 and Code 10 training, or get free quotes tailored to the licence type you need.