Code A1/A Motorcycle Licence (Old Codes 1 & 2)

South Africa has two motorcycle licence codes: Code A1 (old Code 1) for motorcycles up to 125 cc, and Code A (old Code 2) for all motorcycles regardless of engine size. South Africa switched from the old numbered system to the current letter-based codes in 1998 — you may still hear people refer to “Code 1” or “Code 2,” but official documents use A1 and A. Both codes require a separate learner's licence and practical driving test — holding a Code B car licence does not authorise you to ride a motorcycle. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the learner's test to the road test and legal requirements.

Overview: Code A1 vs Code A

Under the current eNaTIS classification, the two motorcycle codes replace the older numbering system:

• Code A1 (old Code 01) — authorises you to ride a motorcycle, motor tricycle, or moped with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc. Minimum age: 17 years.
• Code A (old Code 02) — authorises you to ride any motorcycle regardless of engine size, including those above 125 cc. Code A automatically includes Code A1. Minimum age: 17 years.

Many riders start with Code A1 to gain experience on a smaller bike and later upgrade to Code A. However, you can apply directly for Code A if you prefer — there is no requirement to hold A1 first. Each code requires its own learner's licence test and practical driving test.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 17 years old on the day you apply for the motorcycle learner's licence (both A1 and A).
• Identity document: A valid South African ID book or smart card. Foreign nationals need a valid passport and temporary or permanent residence permit.
• Eye test: Conducted at the DLTC on the day of your application. Minimum visual acuity of 6/12 in the better eye (with or without correction).
• Pass the learner's licence test: The K53 theory test with motorcycle-specific vehicle controls questions.
• Fees: Approximately R78 for the learner's licence application (varies by province). Additional fees apply for the practical driving test and the licence card.
• Test motorcycle: You must provide a roadworthy motorcycle of the correct class (up to 125 cc for A1, any size for A) for the practical test. Some driving schools and DLTCs hire out test bikes — confirm in advance.

Download the official learner's licence application form: Download LL1 Form (PDF)

Learner's Test Content

The motorcycle learner's test follows the same three-section format as the car learner's test, but the vehicle controls section asks motorcycle-specific questions:

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

The rules and signs sections are identical to the Code B test. The controls section covers motorcycle-specific instruments and controls: handlebars, throttle, brake lever, clutch lever, gear shifter, mirrors, indicators, and dashboard warning lights.

Motorcycle Controls in Detail

Understanding the layout and function of every motorcycle control is essential for the learner's test and safe riding. The controls are divided into handlebar controls, foot controls, and dashboard instruments.

Left Handlebar

• Clutch lever: Disengages the engine from the gearbox, allowing gear changes. Pulled towards the handlebar with the left hand.
• Indicator switch: A thumb-operated slide or rocker switch that activates the left or right indicator. Press the centre button to cancel.
• Horn button: Usually located below the indicator switch, pressed with the left thumb.
• Headlight dimmer switch: Toggles between low beam and high beam. Typically a slide switch operated by the left thumb.
• Choke lever (carburetted bikes): Enriches the fuel-air mixture for cold starting. Not present on fuel-injected motorcycles.

Right Handlebar

• Throttle: A twist grip that controls engine speed. Twist towards you to accelerate, release to decelerate.
• Front brake lever: Applies the front wheel brake. Pulled towards the handlebar with the right hand. The front brake provides approximately 70% of total braking force.
• Engine kill switch: A red rocker switch that cuts the engine immediately. Used in emergencies or to shut down the engine.
• Electric start button: Pressed to engage the starter motor. Some older bikes also have a kick-start lever on the right side of the engine.

Foot Controls

• Gear shifter (left foot): A lever operated by the left foot in a 1-down, 4-up (or 5-up) pattern: first gear is one click down from neutral, and higher gears are clicked up. Neutral sits between first and second gear (a half-click up from first).
• Rear brake pedal (right foot): A foot pedal that applies the rear wheel brake. Used in conjunction with the front brake for balanced stopping.

Dashboard Instruments

• Speedometer: Displays current speed in km/h.
• Tachometer: Shows engine RPM. Helps with gear selection — shift up before the red line.
• Neutral indicator light (green): Illuminates when the gearbox is in neutral.
• Indicator lights (green, left/right): Flash to confirm that the indicators are active.
• High beam indicator (blue): Illuminates when the headlight is on high beam.
• Oil pressure warning light (red): Illuminates if engine oil pressure drops below safe levels. Stop immediately if this light comes on while riding.
• Fuel gauge or low-fuel warning light: Indicates remaining fuel level or warns when the reserve is reached.

The Motorcycle Yard Test

The yard test is conducted in the DLTC testing area and evaluates your balance, low-speed control, and emergency handling. You must complete the following exercises:

Figure-of-Eight

Ride a continuous figure-of-eight pattern between two sets of cones placed approximately 6 metres apart. You must stay within the marked lines and complete the pattern without putting your foot down, stalling, or touching a cone. This tests clutch control, counter-steering at low speed, and balance. Look through the turn, not at the ground.

Slow Ride (Balance Ride)

Ride in a straight line as slowly as possible for approximately 30 metres. The goal is to take the longest time possible without stopping, putting a foot down, or weaving outside the marked lane. Use the friction zone of the clutch (partially engaged) combined with gentle rear brake to maintain a walking pace. Keep your head up and eyes forward.

Emergency Stop

Accelerate to approximately 30 km/h, then stop as quickly as possible in a straight line when signalled by the examiner. Apply both brakes progressively — the front brake first, then add the rear brake. Do not lock either wheel. Keep the motorcycle upright and in a straight line throughout the stop. Locking the front wheel will cause an immediate fall and automatic failure.

U-Turn

Execute a 180-degree turn within a defined space (typically the width of a two-lane road). Use clutch control, rear brake dragging, and deliberate head-turning to look where you want to go. Do not put your foot down or cross the boundary lines.

The Motorcycle Road Test

After passing the yard test, the examiner will assess your riding on public roads. The examiner typically follows in a car or on another motorcycle and communicates directions via hand signals or a radio earpiece.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before riding, you must demonstrate a walk-around inspection:

• Tyres — check pressure (by feel), tread depth, and condition. No cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
• Chain tension — the chain should have approximately 25-35 mm of slack at the midpoint. Check for lubrication and excessive wear.
• Engine oil — check the oil level via the sight glass or dipstick.
• Lights — headlight (low and high beam), tail light, brake light (front and rear lever), indicators (all four).
• Brakes — squeeze the front lever and press the rear pedal to confirm firm feel and no sponginess.
• Mirrors — check that both mirrors are securely mounted and adjusted for rear visibility.

Road Test Assessment

• Observation routines: Mirror checks before every speed change, direction change, or hazard. Head checks (blind spot) before moving off, changing lanes, or turning.
• Road positioning: Ride approximately one-third from the right edge of your lane. This position gives you the best visibility to other road users and the best view of the road ahead.
• Following distance: Maintain at least a 2-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions, and at least 4 seconds in wet conditions.
• Lane filtering: Lane filtering (riding between lanes of slow or stationary traffic) is not explicitly legalised under the National Road Traffic Act. Avoid filtering during the test.
• Turning procedures: Signal, mirror check, head check, position correctly in the lane, adjust speed and gear, and look through the turn.
• Speed management: Stay within posted limits, adjust for conditions, and use appropriate gear selection.

Safety and Legal Requirements

Helmet Requirements

Wearing a crash helmet is compulsory by law for both the rider and any pillion passenger. The helmet must comply with SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) or ECE 22.05 (or later ECE 22.06) international standards. An unapproved or damaged helmet will result in a traffic fine and immediate failure of the driving test. Full-face helmets offer the best protection.

Protective Gear

While only the helmet is legally mandatory, the K53 guidelines and road safety organisations strongly recommend:

• Riding jacket: Leather or textile with CE-rated armour at shoulders, elbows, and back.
• Gloves: Full-finger motorcycle gloves with knuckle and palm protection.
• Boots: Over-the-ankle boots with reinforced soles and ankle protection.
• Riding trousers: Reinforced jeans or textile pants with knee and hip armour.
• Reflective vest: Highly recommended for visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

Legal Rules for Motorcyclists

• Headlight on at all times: Your motorcycle headlight must be switched on whenever the engine is running, day or night. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.
• No pillion on learner's permit: You may not carry a pillion passenger when riding on a motorcycle learner's licence.
• Pillion requirements: On a full licence, you may carry a pillion passenger only if the motorcycle is fitted with a pillion seat and footrests, and the passenger wears an approved helmet.
• Feet on footrests: Both feet must remain on the footrests while riding. Dangling your feet is a traffic offence.
• Mopeds on freeways: Motorcycles under 50 cc (mopeds) are prohibited from freeways. Code A1 motorcycles (up to 125 cc) may use freeways.

Motorcycle-Specific Road Signs

• No motorcycles (R220): A circular regulatory sign with a red border showing a motorcycle silhouette. Motorcycles are prohibited beyond this sign.
• Motorcycles only: A blue circular sign with a white motorcycle symbol indicating a lane or road reserved exclusively for motorcycles.
• Advance stop line: Some urban intersections have a designated area ahead of the normal stop line where motorcycles may wait during a red traffic light. If marked, use it — otherwise, stop at the normal stop line.

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