The driving licence system in South African went through an overhaul in 1998 from the old system to the new system. While there have been tweaks to the system over the years, for the majority it’s stayed the same. Here’s a quick summary of the current system, with equivalent codes from the old system.
When the new system was implemented, everyone who had an old licence of the form Code 8, Code 12 etc. was given an equivalent licence in the new letter format, eg. B, EC etc. To this day people still often refer to having a code 12 licence, although the system is not used in practice.
Learner’s Licence
There are three main categories of licences. Light Motor Vehicles, Heavy Motor Vehicles and Motor Cycles. Before you can get either one of these licences, you must first write a learner’s licence exam. This is a 1 hour theory exam, to test your knowledge of the rules of the road. There are three different learner’s licences available, each one applying to a different vehicle class. These licences are:
Code 1: Motorcycles
Code 2: Light Motor Vehicles
Code 3: Heavy Motor Vehicles
A Heavy motor vehicle is considered any vehicle with a GVM over 3,500kg (3.5 tons), and a light motor vehicle anything below. There was talk 2 years ago about combining learners licences so as not to require people who already have a licence to rewrite their learner’s licence, but this was never passed. Currently a Learner’s Licence is valid for 2 years. Once you have a learner’s licence for a vehicle, you are free to drive that vehicle as long as there is a driver licenced for that vehicle in the passenger seat with you. You may drive on freeways, and have additional passengers. If you want to get your Driver’s Licence, you must apply so that your test occurs before your learner’s licence expires. If you have a learner’s licence for a motorcycle, you may drive by yourself (I’ve also heard you’re not allowed passengers, unsure).
You may only apply for a Code 2 Learner’s Licence if you are over the age of 17. For a Code 1 licence you may apply when you are 16 (limited to 125cc). I have heard that you must be 18 before applying for a Code 3 learner’s licence.
Driver’s Licence
For motorcycles there are two licences available. An A, and a A1 licence. An A1 licence you may hold from the age of 17, and is limited to motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less. You may only get an A licence once you turn 18, and permits you to drive any motorcycle.
Light motor vehicles have two classes. Either a B (old code 7) or an EB (old code 8). The B licence is the standard driver’s licence that most people get. It allows you to drive any Light Motor Vehicle and tow a trailer with a GVM less than 750kg. An EB licence is for the same class of vehicles, but allows you to tow trailers in excess of GVM 750kg. Most people who did their driver’s licence before 1998 were automatically upgraded to an EB licence, whereas most new drivers have only a B licence. This limits one from towing certain caravans and boats which can have GVMs higher than 750kg. You must be 18 years old before you take the test for an LMV licence.
Heavy Motor vehicles have four classes. A code C1 (former code 10) which is for vehicles with a GVM between 3.5 and 16 tons and a code C which is for vehicles with a GVM over 16 tons. Drivers with a code C1 licence are permitted to drive vehicles of class B. Drivers with a code C may drive vehicles covered by both the C1 and B codes.
A code EC1 licence holds the same rights as a C1 licence, but with the inclusion of trailers with a GVM in excess of 750 kg. Likewise an EC licence permits the driver to drive vehicles covered by a C licence with a trailer of GVM in excess of 750kg. The holder of an EC licence, in addition to vehicles covered by a C licence, may also drive EC1 vehicles.
In 2010 reports were issued that drivers who obtained a Heavy Duty Vehicle Licence after January 2011 would not be permitted to drive light motor vehicles. This law was never passed.
To obtain a driver’s licence, you must hold the appropriate learner’s licence and do a practical test for driving that vehicle. The test comprises of a yard test (inclined start and alley docking. Additional three point turn and parallel parking for LMV and additional straight reverse for HMVs). As well as an on the road test, generally along preset routes in general traffic. For each of these you must follow practices specified by the K53 defensive driving system, which has many critics. It is advised that anyone attempting to pass a driving test in South Africa first go for driving lessons with an accredited driving school.
A South African Driver’s Licence must be renewed every 5 years.
SA Driver’s Licence
Rear and Front
Professional Driver’s Licence
Anyone who wants to drive a motor vehicle for reward (taxi, deliveryman etc.) or anyone driving a Goods Vehicle, or Vehicle able to transport more than 11 people must hold a Professional Driver’s Permit. See my article here for more information. A standard PrDP licence is valid for 2 years.
Other things to note
It is possible to hold a licence which is valid for both an LMV or HMV as well as a motorcycle. You will be issued with one card which displays the separate restrictions, dates etc. for each.
Whatever vehicle you do your licence in will be the vehicle that you are given a licence for. If you drive an automatic vehicle, you will not be permitted to drive manual vehicles.
Whenever you renew your driver’s licence you will be required to do an eye test, this test will dictate whether you are required to drive a vehicle with or without glasses.
A South African Driver’s licence is in the shape of a credit card. Pre-1998, driver’s licences were included in your ID book.
Go here to view a table comparing the old and the current driver’s licence codes.
Most of the information here I posted from memory. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, if uncertain, please contact your local Traffic Department for assistance.
Source: General Knowledge and the National Road Traffic Act.
Hei am steve
I booked for code14(EC) and i passed so i was to excited only to find out that they made a mistake of givin me a temporary of C1,so nid advice on how to solve the issue.
You have to take this up directly with the Traffic Department. What vehicle did you do the test in? Did you go through a company that gave you lessons or use your own vehicle?
I went through a company and they gave me lessons and i used their truck as wel,so prblm i think it was made by the reception cause when i booked the paper said EC and in mi file i marked EC. So am stressed i really need EC not C1.
Just explain this at the traffic department, they should be able to sort you out.
Hi, if i use an automatic scooter with engine capacity greater than 125cc to do my drivers licence, can i drive a 1000cc gear operated bike ?
Apparently not. If you do it on an automatic, you will only be able to drive automatics. But confirm with your traffic department
Hi,
I’m a British, on a temporary residents permit with a British drivers licence (car only). I’d like to get a 150cc scooter. What’s the best approach? Can I get a learners licence for the 150cc? If so, would it still make more sense to get a proper licence directly? I assume I would only have to pass the test with the scooter and then get a motorbike (automatic only) licence. Or would I have to take lessons?
many thanks,
Stefan
Hi Stefan
How long are you going to be here? If you get a learner’s licence you can drive any motorbike/scooter you want (without a passenger) for 2 years until your learner’s licence expires.
If you are wanting to lift people you will need a driver’s licence. Which you can do with your 150cc scooter. You won’t necessarily need lessons, but definitely speak to someone who has done the test before, just so you know what you’re going to be required to do, otherwise the test can be a bit confusing, even with the official’s instructions.
Hello Gareth,
thanks for the quick reply. I should soon get my PR, so I’ll be here for a while. I’d like to hold on to my UK licence though – I assume I would get a separate motorbike only RSA licence? If I would do the full licence straight away, do I have to do the same theory test as for the learners licence?
cheers
Stefan
You Follow standard procedure. You first have to book for your learner’s licence, then writer your learner’s licence test. Once you have your learner’s licence, only then can you book for your driver’s licence. This can be a bit time consuming depending on which testing station you’re nearest to.
hi,do you by any chance know the maximum amount of days a licence is held at the Randburg testing centre? I got my temporary licence in August.
depends from station to station, but usually takes 6 weeks or so for them to receive the licence, and then they’ll hold onto it for another 6 weeks or so, so you might still be safe.
Hey Gareth will I be able to drive locally and on freeways after receiving my temporary license before 4-6weeks?
Thanks
A temporary licence is as good as a normal card licence.
Hi…
Why is it that if I never ever applied for the card licence, that I automatically lose my licence ?? I never had any financial means in those days and also no vehicle, now I wish to apply for a position where I will need a drivers licence, but first have to fork out a hell of a lot of money to do learners, driving school and drivers licence ???? is this really fair ???…. when I got my licence it was K53 (18 years ago) I really think it is a travesty that I cannot just pay a fine and be re-issued my licence !!!
Hi Wendy
You never lose your licence. It becomes invalid, but if you pay a renewal fee they should be able to reissue it without you needing to redo your licence.
If you passed your driver’s licence at some stage, you shouldn’t have to do it again.
Hi there. Sorry if this has been asked before, but I want to know if I can learn how to drive in an automatic car when I go for my drivers license, or am I required to learn how to drive manual as well? I’ve heard about automatic licenses, but someone told me I HAVE to learn manual as well. True? Should I worry if I only learn how to drive automatic?
Hi werner
You can learn to drive in an automatic and go for your drivers licence in an automatic, but then your licence will specify this and you will not be allowed to drive a manual car. Should you want to at a later stage you would have to redo your licence. As such I would also advise to do your drivers in a manual as then you are not limited
Thanks man! Probably best to do my drivers in a manual, but damn, automatic looks so much easier and more comfortable haha.
With a bit of practice you should get the hang of it. Due to circumstances slightly out of my control I’m driving an auto now, but I would still choose a manual vehicle 9 times out of 10. I much prefer a manual :)
Dear Gareth
You seem extremely competent.
Please would you be so kind as to advise me what I might hope to receive when
Applying for an old lost 50cc bike licence that I took in 1976.
I am hoping they will upgrade it to the up to 125cc A1 licence.
Any idea?
Thanks either way.
Chris
Hey Chris
The RTA says you’ll be eligible for a current A1 driver’s licence, which as you mentioned is for bikes up to 125cc.
1972-1985 – “Motor cycle without sidecar which has an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cm³ and generally known as ‘code 01’.”
Great news delivered like a True Pro.
Thanks Gareth. I wasted a lot of time before finding you online.
Hi Gareth,
I have a much older license
02 Zero Two Issued: 80-12-29 (1980)
08 Zero Eight Issued: 83-07-06 (1983)
I understand 08 code is for a current EB license, however need proof that the 02 is for motorcycle. Do you have any information for this?
Thanking you in advance!
I should have read all of the other users questions, Gareth I have found what I needed thank you very much!!!
Glad you came right. Think I’ll do a separate post though on the old and new codes to help people out
Here it is: http://blog.gcawood.com/2014/11/11/sa-drivers-licence-codes-old-vs-new/
Hey I am almost 18. Only a few days left till my b day. Cannot I book my licence to write after I have turned 18
Hi Warren. If you have your learners licence you should be able to book for your drivers before you turn 18, but only for a day after your birthday.