Code B/EB Light Vehicle Licence (Code 7 & Code 8)

Code B (Code 7) is the most common driving licence in South Africa — the standard car licence held by millions of drivers. Code EB (Code 8) extends this to include towing a heavy trailer. South Africa changed from the old numbered system to letter-based codes in 1998, so you may still hear people say “Code 8” when they mean Code B or EB. Both codes authorise you to drive light motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) not exceeding 3,500 kg. This guide covers everything from the learner's test to the practical driving test, step by step.

Overview: Code B and Code EB

• Code B (Code 8) — authorises you to drive any light motor vehicle with a GVM not exceeding 3,500 kg. This includes cars, bakkies (pick-up trucks), SUVs, minibuses with 12 or fewer seats, and panel vans. You may tow a trailer with a GVM not exceeding 750 kg.
• Code EB (Code 8 with trailer) — authorises you to drive a Code B vehicle towing a heavier trailer, where the gross combination mass (GCM) of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. Code EB automatically includes Code B.

Minimum age: 17 years for the learner's licence, 18 years for the practical driving test and full licence.

Code B does not authorise you to ride a motorcycle (that requires Code A1 or A) or drive heavy vehicles (that requires Code C1 or higher).

Requirements

• Minimum age: 17 to write the learner's licence test; 18 to take the practical driving test.
• Identity document: Valid SA ID book or smart card. Foreign nationals need a valid passport and residence permit.
• Eye test: Conducted at the DLTC when you apply. Minimum visual acuity 6/12 in the better eye.
• Pass the learner's licence test: The K53 theory test covering rules of the road, road signs, and vehicle controls.
• Fees: Approximately R78 for the learner's application. Driving test fees vary by province (R250-R350). Licence card approximately R150-R250.

The Learner's Licence Test

The Code B learner's test is a computer-based multiple-choice exam consisting of 64 questions across three sections. You must pass all three sections:

• Rules of the road: 28 questions — pass mark 22/28
• Road signs: 28 questions — pass mark 23/28
• Vehicle controls: 8 questions — pass mark 6/8

If you fail any one section, you fail the entire test and must rebook and pay again. The learner's licence is valid for 24 months. While holding a learner's, you may drive on public roads only when accompanied by a person who holds a valid driving licence for the same vehicle code, seated in the front passenger seat.

Vehicle Controls (Code B)

The vehicle controls section of the learner's test asks about the location, function, and correct use of every control and instrument in a light motor vehicle.

Pedals and Driving Controls

• Clutch pedal (manual): The left pedal. Disengages the engine from the gearbox for gear changes. Not present in automatic vehicles.
• Brake pedal: The centre pedal (or left pedal in automatics). Applies the braking system to slow or stop the vehicle.
• Accelerator: The right pedal. Controls engine speed and vehicle acceleration.
• Gear lever (manual): Typically a 5-speed pattern: R (reverse), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Neutral is the centre position.
• Gear selector (automatic): P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive). Some automatics include L (low) or numbered gears for manual override.
• Handbrake / parking brake: Locks the rear wheels when the vehicle is stationary. Used for parking and hill starts. May be a lever between the seats or an electronic button.

Switches and Controls

• Indicator stalk: Signals your intention to turn or change lanes. Push down for left, up for right.
• Headlight switch: Rotary or pull switch with positions: off, parking lights, low beam (dipped), high beam (bright).
• Wiper switch: Controls the windscreen wipers. Positions typically include off, intermittent, slow, fast, and a push for washer fluid.
• Hazard lights: A red triangle button that activates all four indicators simultaneously. Used when stationary in an emergency or to warn of a hazard.
• Hooter (horn): Located on the steering wheel. Used to warn other road users of your presence — not to express frustration.
• Rear demister: Heats the rear window to clear condensation or ice.

Mirrors

• Interior rear-view mirror: Provides a view directly behind the vehicle through the rear window. Should be adjusted before driving.
• Side mirrors (left and right): Provide a view of the lanes beside and behind the vehicle. Adjusted so that a sliver of the vehicle body is visible at the inner edge.

Dashboard Instruments and Warning Lights

• Speedometer: Displays current speed in km/h.
• Tachometer: Shows engine RPM. Helps with gear selection.
• Fuel gauge: Indicates the fuel level in the tank.
• Temperature gauge: Shows engine coolant temperature. If it enters the red zone, stop immediately to prevent engine damage.
• Oil pressure warning light (red): Illuminates if oil pressure is dangerously low. Stop the engine immediately.
• Battery / charging light (red): Indicates a problem with the charging system (alternator or battery).
• Brake warning light (red): May indicate the handbrake is engaged, brake fluid is low, or a brake system fault.
• ABS light (amber): Indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. Normal braking still works, but ABS assistance is unavailable.
• Engine check light (amber): Indicates an engine management fault. Have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
• Seatbelt warning light: Reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten seatbelts. Seatbelts are compulsory by law for all occupants.

The Yard Test (Code B)

The yard test is the first part of the practical driving test, conducted in the DLTC testing yard before you enter public roads.

Pre-Trip Inspection

The examiner will ask you to perform a full vehicle safety inspection:

• Exterior walk-around: Check all tyres for pressure, tread depth (minimum 1 mm across the full width), and damage. Check all lights (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, number plate light). Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
• Under the bonnet: Check engine oil level (dipstick), coolant level (reservoir), brake fluid level, power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid, and fan belt condition.
• In-cabin: Adjust seat, mirrors (interior and both side mirrors), fasten seatbelt, check that the handbrake is engaged, check that the gear is in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).

Parallel Parking

Reverse into a parking bay parallel to the kerb, between two poles marking the front and rear of the bay. The steps: pull up alongside the front marker, signal, check mirrors and blind spot, reverse slowly while turning the steering wheel towards the kerb. Straighten up when the vehicle is parallel. The vehicle must end up within 450 mm of the kerb, fully within the bay, and not touching any pole.

Three-Point Turn

Turn the vehicle around in the road using three movements: (1) turn right across the road until the front of the vehicle faces the opposite kerb, (2) reverse while turning left until the rear faces the original kerb, (3) drive forward in the new direction. Check mirrors and blind spots before each movement. Do not mount the kerb.

Alley Docking

Reverse the vehicle into a marked bay at a 90-degree angle (like reversing into a parking space). Approach alongside the bay, check mirrors and blind spot, then reverse in using reference points. End up straight within the bay without crossing the lines.

Incline Start (Hill Start)

Start the vehicle on an uphill slope without rolling backwards. In a manual vehicle: engage the handbrake, find the clutch biting point, apply gentle throttle, then release the handbrake smoothly while gradually releasing the clutch. The vehicle must move forward without rolling back more than approximately 30 cm.

The Road Test (Code B)

The road test takes place on public roads around the DLTC. The examiner sits in the front passenger seat and scores you on a detailed mark sheet. The K53 system requires specific observation routines at every manoeuvre.

Key Manoeuvres Assessed

• Moving off: Check mirrors (interior, then right side mirror), check right blind spot, signal right, release handbrake, move off smoothly.
• Stopping: Check interior mirror, signal left, check left mirror, check left blind spot, move to the left, brake smoothly to a stop, engage handbrake, select neutral.
• Turning left: Check interior mirror, signal left, check left mirror, check left blind spot, position vehicle to the left of the lane, slow down, select the correct gear, look right-left-right at the intersection, turn when safe.
• Turning right: Check interior mirror, signal right, check right mirror, check right blind spot, position vehicle to the right of the lane or in the right turning lane, slow down, select correct gear, yield to oncoming traffic, look for a safe gap, turn.
• Changing lanes: Check interior mirror, signal, check the side mirror for the target lane, check the blind spot on that side, move into the new lane smoothly, cancel the signal.
• Overtaking: Check mirrors, signal, check blind spot, move into the overtaking lane, accelerate past the vehicle, check interior mirror until you can see the overtaken vehicle fully, signal left, move back, cancel signal.
• Traffic circles: Yield to traffic already in the circle (from your right). Signal left when exiting. Use the correct lane based on your intended exit.
• Four-way stops: First vehicle to stop has right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right. Come to a complete stop before proceeding.
• Following distance: Maintain at least a 2-second following gap in dry conditions, 4 seconds in wet conditions.
• Emergency stop: When the examiner signals, check the interior mirror and stop as quickly as possible in a straight line. Do not swerve.

Code EB: The Trailer Addition

Code EB extends your Code B licence to allow towing a heavier trailer. If you plan to tow a caravan, boat trailer, or heavy utility trailer, you may need Code EB.

What Changes with Code EB

• You may tow a trailer where the GCM (vehicle + trailer) exceeds the Code B limits but does not exceed 3,500 kg.
• The practical test for EB includes all Code B yard and road test elements, plus trailer-specific manoeuvres.

Trailer-Specific Test Elements

• Coupling procedure: Demonstrate correctly attaching the trailer to the tow ball, connecting the safety chain, connecting the electrical plug for lights, and checking that the trailer handbrake is released.
• Uncoupling procedure: Engage the trailer handbrake, disconnect the electrical plug, disconnect the safety chain, lift the tow coupling off the tow ball, and ensure the jockey wheel supports the trailer.
• Trailer brake connections: Explain how the override braking system or electric braking system works on the trailer.
• Trailer light check: Confirm all trailer lights function: tail lights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light, and reflectors.
• Reversing with a trailer: Reverse the vehicle and trailer into a marked bay. The trailer turns in the opposite direction to your steering input — steer left to push the trailer right, and vice versa. Use small steering corrections and go slowly.