Code 2 (Code 8) vs Code 3 (Code 10 & Code 14) Learners Licence Explained
When booking your learner's licence on eNaTIS or filling out Form LL1 at a DLTC, you won't see “Code 8” or “Code 10” on the application form. Instead, South Africa uses three Learner's Licence codes:
- Learner's Code 1: Motorcycles (Driving Licence Code A1 ≤125cc from age 16; Code A >125cc from age 18).
- Learner's Code 2 (Commonly called Code 8): Light motor vehicles with a Tare or Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) up to 3,500 kg (Driving Licence Code B / EB, minimum age 17).
- Learner's Code 3 (Commonly called Code 10 & Code 14): Heavy motor vehicles with a GVM exceeding 3,500 kg (Driving Licence Code C1 from 3,500–16,000 kg, and Code C / EC over 16,000 kg, minimum age 18).
Are the Learners Test Questions Different for Code 8 and Code 10?
Both Code 2 (Code 8) and Code 3 (Code 10/14) use the exact same 11-control Vehicle Controls diagram and the same 64-question pass marks (22/28 Rules, 23/28 Signs, 6/8 Controls). However, Code 3 heavy vehicle candidates must watch out for three specific heavy-vehicle rules:
- 3-Second Following Distance: Heavy vehicles (>3,500 kg GVM) must maintain at least a 3-second following gap in dry daylight (compared to 2 seconds for light cars).
- 80 km/h Speed Limit over 9,000 kg GVM: Goods vehicles over 9,000 kg GVM are limited to 80 km/h on rural roads and freeways.
- Mass & Dimension Signs: Expect extra questions on GVM Mass Limit (10t), Axle Massload Limit (2t), Length Limit (15m), and Goods Vehicles Prohibited signs.
Read our full Code 8, Code 10 & Code 14 Pillar Guide and practice your exact code on the K53 Exam Simulator.