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.
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.
I never converted my license from the I’d book to card system. DUring that time of conversion I was ill in hospital for almost 3 years on and off and after that I did not bother. I drive very well. However when I went bk to try and covert I was told to get documents from doctors and hospitals and was sent back and forth. Eventuallly it was 2 time consuming that I just left it again. Is there no other way around this . I don’t want to redo the entire license process. I tend to get very nervous.
Why did they request documents? You should be able to get your licence converted regardless of why you didn’t do it previously?
I don’t know I went to the Rossborough branch in Durban and they wanted doctors letters, hospital proof and year by year. When I finally got tired of the running around I was told its either that or go redo my learners and license again. I was told by the enquiries section that this is the only 2 options I have. Wat can I do now. Do I go redo all this again. Please help.
Hi Vinnie, I don’t know. I’d try checking with a different traffic department. What do they do if someone was out of the country for a while?
I don’t see why you should have to prove you were unable to renew at that time to get a new licence.
Good Luck. Let me know if you have any success.
Ok thank you. Perhaps I will try another branch in KZN
Hi
I have a EC1 – old code 10 since 1992. My question : Can I downgrade to a B or EB. The reason is that if I go to the UK, I cannot convert heavy duty to heavy duty, Only Light to light. I have no need for an EC1 anyway. When I renew, May I just tick the EB/B block on the green form.?
I’m not sure what the process is to do it. But yes you can request to be downgraded.
Is a learner driver allowed to drive with passengers and t i there and age restriction to this?
A learner driver with a licenced driver seated next to him may have additional passengers. A motorbike learner may not have passengers
Hi
I have a automatic license code 8. What will if i drive a manual car on the road?
Will they take me of the road and take my license away????
You will get fined for driving without a valid licence. They may also stop you from continuing your journey.
Can I apply for a learners license code 2 if I am 16 turning 17 in a few months time?
You should be able to apply to write your test for a date after your birthday.
Can I renew my learner’s license without writing it a because is valid until December.
Usually you cannot
Is it possible postpone ur driving day test
only if you have an exam or other unavoidable appointment
I heard that in South Africa you may go for your license test once you are you 17 years and 6 months of age… is that true ??
no
Hi Gareth,
I have a SADC license that I got when living in Malawi. I am aware that it is possible to convert this SADC license to a K53 license, but not sure what I need to do to convert it, would you be able to advise on this? (i.e. What valid documentation is required, are there any tests involved etc?)
Many thanks,
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
Sorry, I don’t know anything about SADC licences.
I have C 10 drivers licence, can I be permitted to ride a bike? if so where can I do the licence.
Thanks in advance
You may not drive a motorbike with a code 10 licence, you need an A or A1 licence. You get it at the traffic department like a normal licence.