You still hear South Africans talk about "Code 8", "Code 10", and "Code 14" every day. These are the legacy names from before South Africa adopted the current letter-based licence code system. The new codes have been in place since the 1990s, but the old names stuck.
The full mapping
| Legacy name | Current code | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | A1 | Motorcycle up to 125cc |
| Code 2 | A | Motorcycle over 125cc |
| Code 8 | B / EB | Light motor vehicle (car, bakkie, minivan) up to 3,500 kg |
| Code 8 EB | EB | Code B with a light trailer |
| Code 10 | C1 | Vehicle 3,500 kg - 16,000 kg (medium truck, fire engine) |
| Code 14 (rigid) | C | Vehicle over 16,000 kg, rigid (no articulation) |
| Code 14 (artic) | EC | Articulated vehicle / interlink (over 16,000 kg with heavy trailer) |
Why does it matter?
If someone asks "do you have your Code 8?" they're asking if you have a standard Code B licence. If a job ad says "Code 10 required", they mean Code C1. If you see "Code 14" in a truck driving job spec, that's Code C or EC depending on whether the truck is rigid or articulated.
What the licence card shows
Cards issued before the mid-2000s may show the legacy codes on the back. When you renew, the new card will reflect the current codes.
If your card shows both old and new codes (a transitional card), both are legally valid. The licence entitlement is the same.
Commonly confused scenarios
"I have my Code 8, can I drive a panel van?" A panel van under 3,500 kg gross vehicle mass: yes. Over 3,500 kg: no, you'd need Code C1 or higher.
"My job requires Code 10. I have Code C1. Is that the same thing?" Yes. Code 10 = Code C1. You qualify.
"Can I drive an Uber with a Code 8?" Legally, Code B covers the vehicle. But you also need a PrDP (Passengers) for any commercial passenger transport. The Code 8 / Code B alone is not enough.
Summary
- Code 8 = Code B (car licence)
- Code 10 = Code C1 (medium truck)
- Code 14 = Code C or EC (heavy truck, articulated or not)
- All legacy codes issued on valid licences remain legally recognised
When in doubt, what matters is the current code on your licence card (or what your legacy code maps to). Employers and traffic officers know the mapping.
See the full comparison in our Code 8 vs Code B guide.
Frequently asked
- Is my old Code 8 licence still valid?
- Yes. Legacy code licences issued before the current system are still valid. They were automatically mapped to the current code equivalent. Your Code 8 is now Code B.
- Will I get a card that says Code 8 when I renew?
- No. On renewal, your card will reflect the current code designation (e.g. Code B), not the legacy code. The legal entitlement is the same.
- What code is a minibus taxi driver?
- A minibus taxi driver needs a Code C1 licence (legacy Code 10) plus a PrDP - Passengers (P).
Just passed your learner's?
Once you pass your driver's test you'll need insurance before you drive off the lot. Naked Insurance gives new drivers a live quote in under two minutes.
Get a quote from Naked Insurance →Affiliate link -- we earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.