“Code 10” is an old driving-licence code, not a learner’s licence category. Today it corresponds to Code C1: medium-heavy trucks and buses with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg, minimum age 18. Learner’s licences are issued as Code 1 (motorcycles), Code 2 (vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVM) and Code 3 (over 3,500 kg GVM), so a learner’s licence for this class is applied for as Code 3.
To qualify you must be 18 on the date of the test, with ID, two photographs, proof of address, form LL1, an eye test and the booking fee, then pass the written test at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC). See the gov.za learner’s licence page for the national requirements.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
- Be 18 or older on the date of the test (Code 3 learner’s licence)
- A valid ID
- Two identical black-and-white ID photographs
- Proof of postal and residential address
- Form LL1, completed at the DLTC
- An eye test, done at the centre or by a qualified optometrist
- A medical certificate (form MC) if you are 65 or older
- The booking fee, then the issue fee if you pass
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
Searchers use “code 10” and “code 3 learners” for the same goal, but the labels refer to different things. The current driving licence codes on gov.za are:
- B: vehicles up to 3,500 kg (minimum age 18)
- C1: vehicles and goods vehicles from 3,500 kg to 16,000 kg (minimum age 18). This is the old Code 10.
- C: vehicles over 16,000 kg
- EB, EC1 and EC: articulated combinations. EC1 and EC are listed at minimum age 18.
The Western Cape Government’s learner’s licence page gives the old-to-new mapping: old Code 8 is B and old Code 14 is EC. The Western Cape table does not state minimum ages for some of the heavier codes, so confirm them with your licensing authority.
A learner’s licence is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
The learner’s licence process includes an eye test, done at the testing centre, or by a qualified optometrist who completes the form you submit at the centre.
Whether the written test content differs for a heavy-vehicle learner’s licence is not stated on the official pages we checked, so ask your DLTC what the test covers for your code.
Driving for reward needs a professional driving permit (PrDP) on top of the licence. We did not verify PrDP requirements for this page, so confirm them with your licensing authority before planning commercial work.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
- Your ID
- Two identical black-and-white ID photographs
- Proof of postal and residential address, such as a utility account
- An affidavit from the account holder if the account is not in your name
- A letter stamped by the ward councillor if you live in an informal settlement
- A medical certificate (form MC) if you are 65 or older
- Your booking receipt on test day
Registration or Application Process
- Go to the nearest DLTC and book a test date for the Code 3 learner’s licence, confirming the booking and paying the booking fee. In Gauteng, apply online at online.natis.gov.za.
- Complete form LL1 and do the eye test.
- Write the test on your booking date with your receipt and ID. If you pass, pay the issue fee; the licence is issued the same day.
- Once you hold the learner’s licence, apply for the driving licence for your code. That needs form DL1, available at any DLTC, plus the learner’s licence, ID, photographs, proof of address and the booking fee.
The City of Cape Town lists an application fee of R68 and an issue fee of R33 for Code 3, per its learner’s licence page. Fees differ by province and can change, so confirm at your DLTC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Code 10 learner’s licence?
Not under that name. Code 10 is the old name for what is now driving licence Code C1 (3,500 kg to 16,000 kg GVM, minimum age 18). You apply for the learner’s licence as Code 3.
What is a Code 3 learner’s licence?
It is the learner’s category for vehicles over 3,500 kg GVM. You must be 18 on the test date.
What are the Code 10 learners licence requirements?
Be 18, bring your ID, two photographs, proof of address and the booking fee, complete form LL1, do the eye test and pass the written test at a DLTC.
What is the minimum age?
18 for a Code 3 learner’s licence. The light-vehicle Code 2 learner’s licence is 17.
How long is the learner’s licence valid?
24 months, and it cannot be extended.
Does the licence let me drive commercially?
Driving for reward requires a professional driving permit as well. Confirm the requirements with your licensing authority.
Confirm current requirements, fees and booking arrangements with your local DLTC or licensing authority. See driving and transport requirements and rideshare driver requirements for related guidance.