Three types of learner’s license explained
One of the hurdles along the way to adulthood is getting a driver’s license. Before you can do that, though, you will need to pass a learner’s exam. Most don’t realise it, but there are in fact 3 separate exams to take, depending on the vehicle for which you will be doing the license. In this article, we cover what those exams are, and explain the differences between the types of licenses.
Step 1: Getting your learner’s license
Before any motorist can apply for their driver's test, they will first have to obtain their learner’s permit.
The K53 system here in South Africa requires you to obtain a learner’s license for the type of vehicle in which you will be doing the driver’s test, and in most cases, this would mean a car. This particular system seems a bit ridiculous at first, as the three types of tests you have to choose are almost identical.
They cover the rules of the road, road markings and signage, traffic regulations, and hand signals. The only substantial difference in each of the tests is, in fact, the last page, where the student has to map out the controls of the vehicle in which they are choosing to do their test.
Related: How much does a driver’s license cost?
Your choices are as follows:
1. Code A
This is the test for motorcycles, and the last chapter covers the motorcycle's controls.
2. Code B
This is the test, as most will know it, for cars. The final chapter covers the interior placement and naming convention of the car's controls.
3. Code C and E
This learner’s permit covers two categories: light commercial and heavy commercial.
The Code C test is not much different from the Code E learner’s test, but there are a few more controls in these vehicles, so a separate test page is required.
Then what?
Once you’ve passed these learner’s tests, you can apply to do your driving test for the chosen vehicle.
Other codes appear on licenses, but those are usually connected to the weight and whether you have a trailer attached.
As far as we have been able to ascertain there are no separate learner’s permits for these codes. Codes you may see, such as A1, B, C1, EB, EC1, and EC1b, all actually fall under the three existing types of learner’s tests. This is why the current system needs a revamp, as many of these other codes do not require the learner driver to have more specific knowledge of the vehicle being tested for. I would propose one global learner’s permit test, with certification required for each specialised license code. This could significantly reduce the number of persons sitting for these individual tests, and increase the quality of driver training.
However, until legislation changes, you will still have to sit through the learner's test whenever you wish to acquire a new coded license.
Related: How long do you need to wait for your driver’s license?
Did you know?
We have an array of FREE K53 study guides and instructional videos available to help you ace your learning permit and driver's license right here!
