South Africa changed its licence code system in 1998. If you have an old laminated licence or an older card, it shows codes like 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, or 14. These still work - but understanding the equivalent new codes matters when hiring a vehicle or applying for jobs that require specific codes.
The old codes and their new equivalents
| Old code | New code | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | A1 | Motorcycles up to 125 cc |
| Code 2 | A | Any motorcycle |
| Code 6 | B | Light motor vehicle, no trailer over 750 kg |
| Code 7 | C1 | Medium vehicle (3,500–16,000 kg GVM) |
| Code 8 | EB | Light motor vehicle + trailer over 750 kg |
| Code 10 | C1 | Medium truck 3,500–16,000 kg GVM |
| Code 11 | EC1 | Heavy vehicle + trailer (medium combination) |
| Code 14 (rigid) | C | Heavy vehicle over 16,000 kg GVM, rigid |
| Code 14 (artic) | EC | Articulated vehicle / semi-trailer |
The most common confusion: Code 8 vs EB vs B
Most South Africans who can drive a car hold one of these:
- Code 8 (old) = the common car licence before 1998 - includes towing a heavy trailer
- Code EB (new) = equivalent to Code 8, issued from 1998 onwards
- Code B (new) = like EB, but without the authority to tow a trailer over 750 kg
If you got your licence before 1998, you almost certainly have a Code 8 = EB. You can tow. If you got your licence after 1998, check whether it says B or EB - most people get EB.
What "E" in front of the code means
The "E" indicates the licence includes authority to tow a trailer exceeding 750 kg gross vehicle mass. So:
- EB = Code B + towing authority
- EC1 = Code C1 + towing authority
- EC = Code C + towing authority (the articulated truck / semi-trailer code)
Renewing an old-code licence
When you renew a Code 8 or other old-code licence, the new card will reflect the current equivalent code. You don't need to do any test or conversion - it happens automatically at the DLTC when you renew.
Hiring a vehicle
Car hire companies in South Africa typically require Code B, EB, or an internationally equivalent licence. A Code 8 is accepted as equivalent. If there's ever a dispute, the old code → new code table above resolves it.
Employer requirements
Job ads for drivers sometimes specify "Code 10" (truck). This is the old way of saying Code C1. Both are valid in a job context - Code 10/C1 is a medium vehicle licence, not the same as a car licence.
Browse schools offering training for your code in the driving school directory.
Frequently asked
- Is a Code 8 licence still valid in South Africa?
- Yes. A Code 8 licence issued before 1998 is fully valid and has not expired. You do not need to convert it. When you renew, the new card will reflect the equivalent new code (Code EB).
- What does Code EB mean?
- Code EB is the current equivalent of the old Code 8. The 'E' indicates the vehicle can tow a trailer over 750 kg. It covers motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM with a trailer override.
- If I have Code EB, can I drive a truck?
- No. Code EB covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM (cars, bakkies, minibuses under that weight). For trucks (Code C1 or C) you need a separate truck licence. A PDP is also required for professional driving.
- What if I test on an automatic - what code do I get?
- If you test in an automatic, your Code B or EB licence will carry an automatic restriction. You can only drive automatics. To remove it, you must retest in a manual vehicle.
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.