South African driver's licence cards pack a lot of information into a small space. Most drivers never fully understand what's on theirs.
Front of the card
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Surname and initials | Your legal name as per ID document |
| ID number | South African ID number (13 digits) |
| Date of birth | From your ID |
| Valid | Expiry date of the card (not the licence) |
| Photograph | Current photo taken at DLTC |
| Signature | Your signature captured digitally |
| Licence number | Unique identifier for this licence |
Back of the card
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Codes | Licence codes you hold (A, A1, B, EB, C1, C, EC1, EC) |
| Issue date | When this licence was first issued |
| First issue | The date you were first ever licenced |
| PrDP | Professional Driving Permit (P, G, or D) if held |
| Restrictions | Any restrictions that apply |
Restriction codes
| Code | Restriction |
|---|---|
| 0 | No restrictions |
| 1 | Automatic vehicles only (tested in automatic) |
| 2 | Vehicles adapted for disabled drivers |
| 3 | Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) required |
| 4 | Hearing aid required |
| 5 | Prosthetic limb required |
Multiple restrictions can be combined.
Licence codes explained
| Code | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc |
| A | Motorcycles over 125cc (no upper limit) |
| B | Light motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg (manual or automatic if restricted) |
| EB | Code B + light trailer over 750 kg |
| C1 | Vehicles 3,500 kg - 16,000 kg |
| C | Vehicles over 16,000 kg |
| EC1 | Code C1 with heavy trailer |
| EC | Code C with heavy trailer (articulated) |
Common questions
My card expired but I still have my old licence book. Am I still licenced? The card expiry is what matters legally. Renew the card as soon as possible - driving on an expired card is a traffic offence.
There's a PrDP listed on my card. Does it also expire? Yes. PrDPs expire every 24 months. They're renewed separately from the licence card.
My name changed after marriage. How do I update the card? Apply at any DLTC with your marriage certificate, ID document, and current licence card. A new card is issued with the updated name.
Handle renewals and replacements at a DLTC near you.
Frequently asked
- Where is the expiry date on my licence card?
- Front of the card, lower right corner, labelled 'Valid'.
- What does restriction code 1 mean?
- Restriction 1 means your licence is restricted to automatic transmission vehicles only. This is applied when you tested in an automatic car.
- What does the code on the back of the card mean?
- The codes on the back list your licence codes (A, B, C1, etc.) and any vehicle restrictions (automatic-only, eyewear required, etc.).
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.