How many types of driving licenses are there?

By Lawrence Minnie 

In South Africa, the Department of Transport has set out a lettered system that shows what vehicles you are allowed to drive, at a glance. There are eight codes for licenses, and the system is based on vehicle size and weight and how many axles it uses. Drivers are classed according to the vehicle they passed their license test in, and often, if you passed a higher-tiered test, you are eligible to drive a lower- tiered vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look at the system.

A

This allows you to ride any motorcycle.

A1

This allows you to ride a motorcycle, but only up to 125cc.

B

This allows you to drive a car or a car and trailer, where the trailer does not exceed 750kg.

C1

This allows you to drive small goods-vehicles and minibus taxis up too 16 tons. A PDP type license is usually required - this is for passengers and potentially dangerous goods. A trailer up to 750kg may be used.

C

This allows you to drive non-articulated trucks and busses over 16 tons. A trailer up 750kg may be used.

EB

This allows you to drive a motorcar with a trailer or caravan exceeding 750kg.

EC1

This allows you to operate a small goods vehicle or mini-bus, and a trailer exceeding 750kg may be used.

EC

This allows you to operate a multi-axle goods vehicle or bus that exceeds 18 tons with one or more trailers exceeding 3.5 tons.