Licence codes
South African driver's licence codes
Every code from A1 to EC. What each one lets you drive, and what the test involves.
Code A1
Motorcycle (≤125cc)
Motorcycles up to 125cc
Code A
Motorcycle (>125cc)
Motorcycles over 125cc
Code B
Light vehicle
Light motor vehicles up to 3,500kg
Legacy: Code 08
Code EB
Light vehicle + trailer
Light vehicle with heavy trailer
Code C1
Small truck
Vehicles 3,500kg–16,000kg (small truck)
Legacy: Code 10
Code C
Heavy truck
Vehicles over 16,000kg (heavy truck)
Legacy: Code 14
Code EC1
Small truck + trailer
Code C1 with heavy trailer
Code EC
Articulated truck
Articulated truck (interlink)
Legacy: Code 14
Once you know which code you need, find a driving school near you that trains and tests for it.
Frequently asked
- What licence code do I need to drive a normal car?
- Code B. It covers light motor vehicles up to 3,500kg, which is any standard car or bakkie. Code B was previously called Code 08.
- Can I tow a trailer with a Code B licence?
- A Code B licence covers light trailers. For a heavy trailer behind a light vehicle you need Code EB.
- What's the difference between Code C1 and Code C?
- Code C1 covers trucks from 3,500kg to 16,000kg (a small truck). Code C covers trucks over 16,000kg (a heavy truck). Code C was previously called Code 14, and Code C1 was Code 10.
- What licence code do I need for an articulated truck (interlink)?
- Code EC, which covers Code C vehicles towing a heavy trailer. Code EC1 covers the equivalent combination for a smaller Code C1 truck.
- Do motorcycles need a different code from cars?
- Yes. Code A1 covers motorcycles up to 125cc, and Code A covers motorcycles over 125cc. Neither counts as a car licence, and a car licence (Code B) does not cover a motorcycle.