Learner’s licence codes 1, 2 and 3
Your learner’s licence is for one code, and the code decides which vehicles you may learn to drive. Code 1 is for motorcycles, code 2 for light vehicles such as cars and bakkies, and code 3 for heavy vehicles.
Checked against its sources on .
| Code | Vehicles | Youngest age |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 · Motorcycle | A motorcycle, with or without a sidecar, a motor tricycle or a quadrucycle | 16 for a motorcycle with an engine of up to 125 cc; 18 for a bigger one |
| Code 2 · Light vehicle | A motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of up to 3 500 kg, a minibus, bus or goods vehicle included: cars and bakkies, for most people | 17 |
| Code 3 · Heavy vehicle | A motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3 500 kg, such as a truck or a bus | 18 |
From the government’s page Apply for a learner’s licence. Your age counts on the day of the test.
What the test asks for each code
The computerised test has the same 64 questions in 60 minutes for every code, in three sections: 28 on rules of the road, 28 on signs, signals and markings, 8 on vehicle controls. What changes with your code:
- Code 1 · Motorcycle: motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadrucycles. The vehicle controls questions use your code’s numbered controls drawing, and some rules questions are about riding a motorcycle.
- Code 2 · Light vehicle: cars and bakkies up to 3 500 kg, and minibuses. The vehicle controls questions use your code’s numbered controls drawing.
- Code 3 · Heavy vehicle: trucks, buses and other vehicles over 3 500 kg. The vehicle controls questions use your code’s numbered controls drawing, and some rules questions are about heavy vehicles and buses.
What a learner’s licence lets you do
It lets you learn to drive a vehicle of your code, with a licensed driver supervising you. It is valid for 24 months and cannot be extended, so book your driving test before it runs out. When you are ready to get one, see how to book the learner’s test.
Questions people ask
Which learner’s code do I need for a car?
Code 2. It covers motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of up to 3 500 kg, which includes cars and most bakkies. You must be at least 17.
Is the test different for each code?
The format is the same for every code: 64 questions in 60 minutes, on the rules of the road, road signs and vehicle controls. The vehicle controls questions are about your code’s vehicle, and some rules apply only to motorcycles or only to heavy vehicles.
May I drive alone on a learner’s licence?
No. With a learner’s licence you may drive only when a licensed driver is supervising you. If the vehicle needs a professional driving permit, the supervising driver must hold one too.
How long is a learner’s licence valid?
For 24 months, and it cannot be extended.