Are the learners licence test questions the same for Code 8 (Code 2) and Code 10 (Code 3)?

Yes, on the South African DLTC learner's licence exam, Code 2 (Code 8 / Code B light motor vehicles) and Code 3 (Code 10 / C1 and Code 14 / EC heavy motor vehicles) share the exact same 64-question structure, 11-point vehicle controls diagram, and pass marks (22/28 Rules, 23/28 Signs, 6/8 Controls). However, Code 3 candidates must pay special attention to heavy vehicle rules such as the 3-second safe following distance, 80 km/h speed limit for vehicles over 9,000 kg GVM, and mass/dimension prohibition signs.

What is the difference between a Code 2 and Code 3 learners licence in South Africa?

A Code 2 learner's licence is for light motor vehicles with a Tare or GVM up to 3,500 kg (commonly called Code 8 or Code B/EB, minimum age 17). A Code 3 learner's licence is for heavy motor vehicles with a GVM exceeding 3,500 kg (commonly called Code 10 / C1 up to 16,000 kg, or Code 14 / C / EC over 16,000 kg, minimum age 18).

What are the most common Code 10 road signs in the learners test?

In the Code 3 (Code 10 / Code 14) learner's test, high-frequency road signs include Axle Mass Load Limit (2t), Gross Vehicle Mass Limit (10t / 12t), Length Limit (15m), Height Limit (4.42m), Width Limit (2.1m), Goods Vehicles Prohibited, Minimum Speed Command signs, and Steep Descent/Ascent gear-down warning signs.

Code 1 (Bike) • Code 2 (Code 8 / B) • Code 3 (Code 10 / C1 & Code 14 / EC)

Code 8, Code 10 & Code 14 Learners Licence Test South Africa (2026 Complete Guide)

Confused by how Code 8, Code 10, and Code 14 map to Learner's Licence Code 1, Code 2, and Code 3 at the DLTC? Here is the complete breakdown of vehicle mass limits (GVM), minimum legal ages, vehicle controls diagrams, and heavy vehicle road signs tested on the 2026 computerized learner's exam.

Start Code 1, 2 or 3 Practice Test View Code 1 vs Code 2/3 Controls 2026 Pass Cheat Sheet →

Official eNaTIS Licence Classification

Learner's Licence Codes (1, 2, 3) vs Driving Licence Codes (8, 10, 14)

When you fill in Form LL1 at the DLTC, you apply for Learner's Code 1, Code 2, or Code 3, which unlocks the corresponding driving licence code:

Learner's Licence Code	Driving Licence Code	Vehicle Class & Mass (GVM / Tare)	Minimum Age	Exam Pass Marks (64 Qs)
Code 1 (Motorcycle)	Code A1 (≤125cc) & Code A (>125cc)	Motorcycles (solo or with sidecar if over 125cc). Quad bikes and tricycles not permitted during learner phase.	16 yrs (≤125cc) 18 yrs (>125cc)	Rules: 22/28 Signs: 23/28 Controls: 6/8 (7 Bike Controls)
Code 2 (Light Motor Vehicle)	Code B (Code 8) & Code EB	Cars, bakkies, and minibuses with Tare or GVM up to 3,500 kg (plus trailer up to 750 kg for Code B).	17 Years	Rules: 22/28 Signs: 23/28 Controls: 6/8 (11 Car Controls)
Code 3 (Heavy Motor Vehicle)	Code C1 (Code 10), Code C & Code EC (Code 14)	Heavy trucks and buses with GVM exceeding 3,500 kg (Code 10/C1: 3,500–16,000 kg; Code 14/C/EC: >16,000 kg + articulated trailers).	18 Years	Rules: 22/28 Signs: 23/28 Controls: 6/8 (11 Vehicle Controls)

Code 10 & Code 14 Exam Focus

Must-Know Code 10 & Code 14 Rules and Road Signs

While Code 2 (Code 8) and Code 3 (Code 10 / 14) share the same 11-control vehicle diagram, heavy vehicle candidates are heavily tested on these 6 statutory rules and sign codes:

1. Following Distance

Minimum 3-Second Rule

For light motor vehicles (Code 8), the dry-weather following distance is 2 seconds. For heavy motor vehicles (Code 10 and Code 14, GVM > 3,500 kg), the minimum legal safe following distance is at least 3 seconds under ideal conditions (and longer when wet or loaded).

2. Heavy Vehicle Speed Limits

80 km/h Over 9,000 kg GVM

Goods vehicles and combinations with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Combination Mass (GCM) exceeding 9,000 kg are restricted to a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h on rural roads and freeways, even where the general sign shows 100 km/h or 120 km/h. Buses and minibuses conveying passengers are restricted to 100 km/h.

3. Mass & Dimension Signs

GVM (10t) vs Axle Load (2t)

Know the difference between Mass Limit (R201, e.g. 10t) which prohibits vehicles whose total GVM exceeds 10 tonnes, and Axle Massload Limit (R202, e.g. 2t with axle icon) which restricts weight on a single axle. Also study Length Limit (15m), Height Limit (4.42m), and Width Limit (2.1m).

Select Your Vehicle Code & Start Practising

Switch between Code 1 (Motorcycle), Code 2 (Code 8 Car), and Code 3 (Code 10 / 14 Heavy Truck) inside our free 64-question simulator.

Launch Code 1, 2 & 3 Simulator → How to Pass First Time Guide Book Learners Test Online