Driving Licence Codes South Africa — Explained
South Africa uses a structured licence code system that determines exactly which vehicles you’re legally permitted to drive. Whether you need a basic car licence or want to drive articulated trucks, understanding these codes is the first step toward getting the right licence for your needs.
Why South Africa Has Two Code Systems
Before 1998, South Africa used a simple numeric system — Code 1 through Code 14. After the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996) took effect, the country adopted an alphanumeric system aligned with international standards. The old codes (1, 2, 8, 10, 14) were mapped to new letter-based equivalents (A1, A, B, C1, EC).
Both systems are still referenced in everyday conversation. Driving schools advertise “Code 8” training, traffic departments process “Code B” applications, and your licence card displays the new letter code. They refer to the same entitlements — the numbering is just different depending on whether someone learned to drive before or after the changeover.
Your actual licence card, the credit-card-sized document issued since 2000, uses the new letter codes exclusively. But because the old numeric codes are deeply embedded in South African culture (everyone says “Code 8” rather than “Code B”), both systems persist in parallel.
Complete Licence Code Table
Here’s the full mapping between the old numeric codes and the current letter codes, along with what each permits:
| Old Code | New Code | Vehicle Category | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | A1 | Motorcycle ≤125cc | From age 16 |
| Code 2 | A | Motorcycle >125cc | From age 18 |
| Code 8 | B | Light motor vehicle ≤3,500 kg GVM | Cars, bakkies, minibuses ≤16 seats |
| Code 10 | C1 | Heavy motor vehicle >3,500 kg ≤16,000 kg GVM | Trucks, large delivery vehicles |
| Code 14 | EC | Articulated heavy vehicle >16,000 kg GVM | Truck-trailer combinations, interlinks |
| — | EB | Code B + trailer >750 kg | Car or bakkie towing heavy trailers |
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass — the maximum loaded weight a vehicle is designed to carry, as specified by the manufacturer. This is the number that determines which code applies, not the vehicle’s unladen weight.
Which Licence Code Do You Need?
Your required code depends on what you plan to drive and why. Work through these questions:
Do you want to ride a motorcycle?
- Engine capacity 125cc or less → Code A1 (available from age 16)
- Engine capacity above 125cc → Code A (age 18+)
Do you want to drive a car, bakkie, or SUV?
- If the vehicle’s GVM is 3,500 kg or less → Code B (Code 8)
- This covers the vast majority of personal vehicles in South Africa, including most double-cab bakkies, SUVs, and minibuses with up to 16 seats
Do you need to drive heavier vehicles for work?
- Vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM → Code C1 (Code 10)
- Think delivery trucks, municipal vehicles, horse boxes, and construction equipment carriers
Do you need to drive articulated trucks or truck-trailer combos?
- Vehicles above 16,000 kg GVM with trailers → Code EC (Code 14)
- This is the licence for long-haul trucking, interlink driving, and heavy logistics
Do you need to tow a heavy trailer with a car or bakkie?
- If the trailer exceeds 750 kg GVM → you need Code EB in addition to Code B
- Common for horse trailers, large caravans, and car transporters
Will you carry passengers or goods commercially?
- You’ll need a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) on top of your driving licence
- Required for e-hailing (Uber, Bolt), taxi driving, bus driving, and commercial goods transport
The Automatic Restriction
When you test on an automatic vehicle, your licence is restricted to automatics only. This is stamped on your licence card with the code suffix. You can drive any vehicle within your code’s weight class, but only if it has automatic transmission.
If you test on a manual (stick shift), you can drive both manual and automatic vehicles — no restriction applies. Given South Africa’s bakkie culture and the prevalence of manual vehicles in the used car market, most driving schools recommend testing on manual unless you’re certain you’ll only ever drive automatic.
Removing the automatic restriction requires rebooking and passing the driving test on a manual vehicle. There’s no shortcut.
Your Next Step — Detailed Code Guides
Each licence code has specific requirements, costs, and training expectations. Choose the guide that matches your goal:
Code 8 (Code B) — Light Vehicles
The standard car licence. Covers cars, bakkies under 3,500 kg, and minibuses. The licence most South Africans get first.
Code 10 (Code C1) — Heavy Vehicles
For trucks and heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. Opens up delivery, construction, and municipal driving jobs.
Code 14 (Code EC) — Articulated Heavy Vehicles
The top-tier driving licence for interlinks, long-haul trucks, and heavy transport. Required for most logistics careers.
Motorcycle Licence — Code A & A1
Two-wheel licences for scooters, motorcycles, and everything in between. Code A1 is available from age 16.
PrDP — Professional Driving Permit
The additional permit required for anyone carrying passengers or goods commercially — including Uber and Bolt drivers.
Related Guides
- Automatic vs Manual — Which Should You Test On? — Understand the restriction before you book
- Code 8 vs Code 10 — Do You Need to Upgrade? — When a heavier licence makes sense
- Driving School Prices 2026 — What training costs across all codes
- Find a Driving School Near You — Browse schools by area and licence code