Driving licence codes

• South African Drivers Licence Code Ec1
• South African Drivers Licence Codes 2020
• South African Drivers Licence Codes 2019

Here are a few tips to consider when you are in the process of doing your drivers licence test. Practice your clutch control properly and ensure that you have good control on your vehicle. This is the number one reason most students fail their driver’s license test. Preparation is key to any success.

South African Drivers Licence Code Ec1

for further information on driving licences consult pages 10 to 26 in the Professional Driver's Digest > or consult our A3 miniCHART >.

About | What you should do | How long does it take | How much does it cost | Forms to complete | Who to contact

All learner's licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 December 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity periods are extended for a further grace period ending on 31 August 2021.' (Gazette 43958, 3 December 2020)

In South Africa, driving licences are issued with various codes that indicate the types of vehicle that may be driven with that licence. To transport fare-paying passengers or tourists for a fee, you must have a professional driving permit (PrDP). For example, a Code EC1 licence includes codes B, EB and C1. The authority to drive a bus is included in the three rigid vehicle licence classes LR, MR and HR. Holders of a licence class MC or HC are also authorised to drive buses. The size of bus that you are authorised to drive is limited by the licence class appearing on your driver's licence. Driving licence codes The classification, standardised throughout the whole southern African region, consists of the following groups of licences, based on the European Unified Driving Licence system. A = Motor cycles B = Light motor vehicles (up to 3 500 kg GVM).

You need a driving licence to drive legally on South African roads. Before applying for a driving licence, you must have a learner's licence.

Different licences are issued for the various categories of motor vehicle:

• Code A1: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine not exceeding 125 cc. You must be at least 17 years old on the date of the test.
• Code A: This is for a motor cycle with or without a sidecar and with an engine that exceeds 125 cc. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code B: This is for a motor vehicle, including a minibus, bus and goods vehicle, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code C1: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus, minibus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code C: This is for a motor vehicle, a bus or a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg.
• Code EB: This is for a:
  • light motor vehicle that is articulated (light motor vehicle drawing a trailer) with a gross combination mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply
  • combination of a motor vehicle with a tare not exceeding 3 500 kg and a minibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code EC1: This is for:
  • an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
  • a combination of a motor vehicle with a tare between 3 500 kg and 16 500 kg and a minibus, midibus, bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Code EC: This is for an articulated heavy motor vehicle (heavy motor vehicle drawing a trailer[s]) with a gross combination mass exceeding 16 000 kg or a combination of a bus or goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 16 000 kg. You must be 18 years or older to apply.

South African Drivers Licence Codes 2020

1. Go to the nearest driving licence testing centre (DLTC) to book a test date. Take the following with you:
   • your learner's licence.
   • your identity document (ID).
   • four identical black-and-white photographs. You must first confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require before you have photos taken.
   • Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the of owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
   • if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
   • a booking fee.
2. Gauteng residents should apply online for their driving licence: https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
3. Complete the Application for driving licence form (DL1) at the DLTC.
4. Keep the receipt as proof of payment and as confirmation of the test date and time.
5. On the date of the test, you must be at the DLTC at the specified testing time. Your receipt and learner’s licence will be verified before you proceed to the test.
6. You will be assessed by a qualified examiner.
7. If you pass the test, your fingerprints will be taken and you will undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you may have an eye test performed at a qualified optometrist and submit the form at the DLTC.
8. If you pass the driving test, you must pay the issuing fee to receive a temporary driving licence, which you will use while you wait for the ordered driving licence card.
9. You will be notified when your driving licence card is ready for collection. You must collect your driving licence at the DLTC where you made your application.

• Your driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks.
• A temporary driving licence is issued immediately.

South African Drivers Licence Codes 2019

Contact your local licensing office to find out the cost.

The Application for driving licence form (DL1) is available at any driving licence testing centre