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.).
Vehicle licence disc due as well?
Your car's licence disc is a separate annual renewal from your driver's licence card, and it's the one people forget until the fine arrives. RoadSave renews the disc for you and delivers it, so there's no post office queue.
Renew your vehicle licence disc →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.