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).
The classification, standardised throughout southern Africa, 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)
C = HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLES
D = COMBINATIONS, INCLUDING ARTICULATED VEHICLES.
Note: Licence holders of Heavy motor vehicles automatically include permission to operate light motor vehicles. For example, a Code EC1 licence includes codes B, EB and C1.
The system makes a further distinction between rigid vehicles and rigid vehicles drawing trailers and articulated vehicles. An articulated vehicle is a vehicle which has a permanent or semi-permanent pivot joint in its construction, allowing the vehicle to turn more sharply but requiring more skill to manoeuvre. A rigid vehicle pulling a trailer only is occasionally not considered to be an articulated vehicle.
South African Driving licence codes explained:
–> Download SA driving licence codes quick reference diagram. Courtesy of DriveIt.co.za.
Code A – Motorcycles
A1: Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cubic centimetres or less.
A: Motorcycles with an engine capacity greater than 125 cubic centimetres including Code A1 motorcycles.
Code B – Light Motor Vehicles
B(a): Vehicles with a tare weight of 3 500 kilograms or less. A trailer with GVM of 750 kg or less may be attached. Also includes vehicles from codes A1 and A.
B(b): Special & service vehicles such as Ambulances with a tare weight of 3 500 kilograms or less. A trailer with GVM of 750 kg or less may be attached. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A.
B(5): B ‘5’ endorsement only authorises the operation of tractors.
B(7): B ‘7’ endorsement only authorises the operation of mobile machinery.
Code C – Heavy Motor Vehicles
C1: Vehicles with tare weight between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg with or without a trailer of up to 750 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A and B.
C: Buses and goods vehicles with a GVM greater than 16 000 kg with or without a trailer of up to 750 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B & C1.
Code D – Combinations & Articulated Vehicles
EB: Light articulated vehicles of 3 500 kg or less and vehicles allowed by Code B but with a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B.
EC1(a): Articulated vehicles with A GCM of between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B, C1 & EB.
EC1(b): Rigid vehicles with a GCM of between 3 500 kg and 16 000 kg including vehicles allowed by Code C1 but with a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B, C1 & EB.
EC(a): Articulated vehicles with a GCM of greater than 16 000 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B, EB, C1, C & EC1.
EC(b): Rigid vehicles with a GCM greater than 16 000 kg; and vehicles allowed by Code C but with a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg. Also includes vehicles from codes A1, A, B, EB, C1, C & EC1.
This guide along with all diagram images has been published with appreciation and acknowledgement to DriveIt.co.za
