To determine which driving licence code do I need, match your vehicle type and gross vehicle mass (GVM) to the correct category: Code A1 for motorcycles up to 125cc, Code A for motorcycles above 125cc, Code B for standard passenger cars and light bakkies up to 3,500 kg, Code EB for light motor vehicles towing a heavy trailer (>750 kg), Code C1 for medium heavy vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg, and Code EC or EC1 for heavy articulated truck combinations. You must hold a valid learner’s licence in the corresponding category before booking a practical test. For broader test guidance, see our hub on Driving Test Help in South Africa.
Quick Summary Note: Ensure your learner’s licence matches the vehicle category you plan to test for. If you hold a Code 2 learner’s licence (light motor vehicle), you cannot take a driving test in a Code 3 (heavy vehicle) class.
Who this page is for
This guide is for drivers in South Africa trying to identify the exact driving licence class required for their vehicle, job role, or personal driving needs. Whether you are a first-time applicant choosing between a standard car test and a medium truck test, or a driver expanding your employment opportunities into commercial transport, selecting the right code before booking an appointment prevents wasted time and unnecessary booking fees.
Selecting the correct code is essential when reviewing which driving licence code do I need requirements and next steps. Navigating traffic department options requires matching vehicle weight limits, trailer capabilities, and age requirements before making an official booking at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
Requirements and documents needed
Before you can book or undertake a driving licence test in South Africa, you must satisfy specific age, health, and administrative requirements set out under the National Road Traffic Act.
Eligibility by Vehicle Code
| Code | Vehicle Class / Description | Minimum Age | Maximum Mass (GVM / GCM) |
| Code A1 | Motorcycles ≤ 125cc | 16 years | N/A |
| Code A | Motorcycles > 125cc | 18 years | N/A |
| Code B | Light Motor Vehicles (Cars, SUVs, Bakkies) | 18 years | GVM up to 3,500 kg (trailer ≤ 750 kg) |
| Code EB | Articulated Light Motor Vehicle / Heavy Trailer | 18 years | Vehicle GVM ≤ 3,500 kg + Trailer > 750 kg |
| Code C1 | Medium Goods Vehicles / Buses (Old Code 10) | 18 years | GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg |
| Code C | Heavy Goods Vehicles / Large Buses | 18 years | GVM exceeding 16,000 kg |
| Code EC1 | Articulated Medium Heavy Vehicles | 18 years | GCM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg |
| Code EC | Heavy Articulated Vehicles (Superlinks / Rigs) | 18 years | GCM exceeding 16,000 kg |
Note: Higher licence codes generally grant authorization to drive lower vehicle classes within the same family (for example, Code EC authorises B, C1, C, EB, and EC1). However, holding a heavy vehicle licence (Code C1/EC) does not automatically permit you to drive a motorcycle (Code A). Explore our full overview of licence codes for detailed breakdowns.
Required Documents to Take to the DLTC
When applying or booking your practical test, bring the following items:
- Identity Document: Original South African Smart ID Card or Green Barcoded ID Book (or valid passport with permanent residence documents).
- Learner’s Licence: Original, valid learner’s licence covering the appropriate category.
- Proof of Residential Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account (not older than 3 months). If residing with someone else, an affidavit from the homeowner with their utility bill is required.
- Photographs: Usually 2 to 4 black-and-white or colour ID photos (check local DLTC preferences prior to appointment).
- Application Form DL1: Completed Application for Driving Licence form (DL1).
- Payment: Booking fee in cash or via card facilities at participating testing centres.
Booking or application steps
Follow these steps to complete your driving test application for your chosen vehicle code:
- Verify Your Learner’s Licence Category: Confirm that your existing learner’s licence covers the specific vehicle code you plan to test for.
- Schedule an Appointment:
- In Gauteng and selected metropolitan areas, book your test date online using the official natis portal (online.natis.gov.za).
- In other provinces, visit a local traffic department near me directly to select an open test slot.
- Submit Documentation at the Testing Centre: Present your ID card, learner’s licence, proof of address, and DL1 form to the official at the counter.
- Complete the Eye Test: Undergo an on-site visual acuity test or present an official eye test certificate from a recognized, registered optometrist.
- Pay the Booking Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee and receive your official receipt showing your test date, time, and DLTC location. Keep this receipt safe, as it must be produced on test day.
What to expect on test or application day
On the scheduled test date, arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment time with your vehicle, test receipt, ID, and learner’s licence.
- Vehicle Inspection & Pre-Trip Check: Your test vehicle must be roadworthy, licensed, and equipped with a working handbrake. You will demonstrate basic vehicle checks (checking under the bonnet, tires, lights, and mirrors) to the examiner.
- Yard Test Module: You will perform specific low-speed maneuvers inside the testing yard. For Code B (cars), this includes parallel parking, alley docking, three-point turns, and incline starts. Heavy vehicle codes (Code C1/EC) focus on straight-line reversing, alley docking, and incline holds.
- Road Test Module: Upon passing the yard section, you will drive on public roads along an examiner-selected route. The examiner will score your observation skills, lane discipline, signaling, speed control, and adherence to traffic signals.
- Licence Issuance: If you pass both modules, your fingerprints will be taken, and you will pay an issuing fee to obtain a temporary driving licence. Your plastic card will be manufactured and sent to the DLTC for collection in 4–8 weeks.
Fees, retesting and rescheduling notes
Licence booking and card issuing fees are determined at the provincial and municipal levels; as a result, costs vary across South Africa.
- Fee Structure: Expect separate payments for the test booking fee and the card issuing fee upon passing. Light vehicle (Code B) test fees generally differ from heavy vehicle (Code C1/EC) fees.
- Rescheduling: If you miss your driving test date without cancelling or providing a valid medical reason beforehand, your booking fee is forfeited, and you must reapply from the start.
- Retesting: If you do not pass your test, you must rebook a new test slot and pay the booking fee again. Your learner’s licence remains valid until its 24-month expiration date, allowing you to retest without rewriting the learner’s exam.
- Card Expiry: Once issued, your plastic driving licence card remains valid for 5 years and requires standard renewalbefore the expiry date.
Related forms, offices and NaTIS pages
When dealing with traffic departments, having the right form pre-filled saves time:
- Application Form (DL1): The official application form for a driving licence, duplicate licence, or temporary driving permit. Access relevant documents on our forms directory.
- Testing Facilities: Locate designated regional offices via our list of official traffic department offices.
- Professional Driving Permits (PrDP): Drivers operating heavy goods vehicles (Code C1, C, EC) or public passenger transport (taxis, buses) commercially must also apply for a PrDP alongside their driving licence.
FAQs
What is the purpose of this Which Driving Licence Code Do I Need in South Africa page?
This page helps South African drivers identify the legal licence code required for their vehicle type and weight class before booking a test or applying at a DLTC.
What should users check before acting on which driving licence code do I need information?
Always verify local testing fees, accepted payment options, required photograph counts, and booking availability directly with your target DLTC or through official provincial portals before traveling.
Which related TrafficDepartment.co.za page should readers use next?
If you know your code, move to our guide on which driving licence code do I need requirements and next steps or locate your nearest testing center using the traffic department offices directory.
How is this page different from the Driving Test Help in South Africa page?
This page focuses specifically on matching vehicle classes, gross mass limits, and trailer rules to driving licence codes. The Driving Test Help in South Africa hub covers broad test preparation, general traffic department navigation, and general testing procedures.
Can users complete this which driving licence code do I need task on this page?
No, this page is an informational guide. Official test bookings, electronic fee payments, and licence card applications must be performed in person at an official DLTC or via the official online eNaTIS platform.