Code C1/C Heavy Vehicle Licence (Old Code 10 & Old Code 13)

Code C1 (old Code 10) and Code C (old Code 13) are the heavy vehicle licence categories for rigid (non-articulated) trucks, buses, and large vehicles. South Africa replaced the old numbered codes with letter-based codes in 1998 — “Code 10” is still widely used in job adverts, but the official term is Code C1. Code C1 covers vehicles between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg GVM, while Code C covers heavy rigid vehicles above 16,000 kg. Both include Code B, meaning you can still drive cars. This guide covers everything from requirements to the practical test.

Overview: Code C1 and Code C

• Code C1 (old Code 10) — authorises you to drive rigid motor vehicles with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 16,000 kg. This includes medium trucks (4-ton to 8-ton), minibuses with more than 12 seats, and buses. Code C1 automatically includes Code B.
• Code C (old Code 13) — authorises you to drive heavy rigid motor vehicles with a GVM exceeding 16,000 kg. This includes large rigid trucks and heavy buses. Code C automatically includes Code B and Code C1.

Minimum age: 18 years for both C1 and C. You must already hold a valid Code B licence before applying.

Many professional driving jobs in South Africa — delivery truck driver, bus driver, minibus taxi driver, construction vehicle operator — require at minimum a Code C1 licence. Driving a heavy vehicle on a Code B licence is a serious traffic offence.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• Valid Code B licence: You must already hold a valid, current Code B driver's licence. You cannot go directly to Code C1 without Code B first.
• Learner's licence: Write and pass the Code C1 (or C) learner's test at a DLTC. The test includes additional questions on heavy vehicle operation, air brakes, load securing, and professional driving rules.
• Medical certificate: A medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner is required. The doctor will confirm adequate vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and the absence of conditions that impair safe driving (epilepsy, diabetes requiring insulin if uncontrolled, etc.).
• Professional Driving Permit (PrDP): If you will drive the heavy vehicle for reward (commercially), you must also obtain a PrDP. This requires a separate application, medical examination, and criminal record check. See our PrDP guide.
• Test vehicle: You must provide a roadworthy heavy vehicle of the correct category for the practical test. Driving schools specialising in heavy vehicles typically supply test trucks.

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

Additional Vehicle Controls

Heavy vehicles have controls and systems not found in light motor vehicles. The learner's test will ask about these, and the examiner will expect you to identify and operate them during the practical test.

• Air brakes: Most heavy vehicles use compressed air braking systems instead of hydraulic brakes. There are three circuits:
  • Service brake: The foot brake pedal. Applies air pressure to brake chambers on all wheels.
  • Park brake (spring brake): Engaged by a yellow knob on the dashboard. Uses spring force to hold the brakes on — pulling the knob releases air pressure and the springs apply the brakes. This means the park brake is automatically applied if air pressure is lost (a safety feature).
  • Emergency brake: If air pressure drops below a safe level (typically below 450 kPa), the spring brakes engage automatically, stopping the vehicle.
• Air pressure gauges: Two gauges (primary and secondary circuits) on the dashboard. The engine-driven compressor must build pressure to at least 600-800 kPa before driving. A buzzer or warning light activates if pressure drops too low.
• Diff lock (differential lock): Engages both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. Used only on slippery surfaces (mud, gravel) at low speed. Never engage while moving at speed or on tar roads.
• Exhaust brake / retarder: A supplementary braking device that uses engine compression or an electromagnetic retarder to slow the vehicle without using the service brakes. Essential for controlling speed on long downhill descents.
• Additional mirrors: Heavy vehicles have wide-angle mirrors, a kerb-side (close-proximity) mirror, and sometimes a front mirror above the windscreen to see pedestrians and cyclists close to the front of the vehicle.
• Air horn: A louder horn powered by compressed air, used on open roads to warn other road users.
• PTO (power take-off): A mechanism that transfers engine power to auxiliary equipment such as hydraulic pumps, cranes, or cement mixers mounted on the vehicle.
• Trailer connections: Air line connections (service and emergency lines) and an electrical connection for trailer lights. Relevant when the heavy vehicle tows a drawbar trailer.
• Load securing equipment: Chains, ratchet straps, load bars, and tarpaulin — not controls per se, but the examiner may ask you to identify and explain their use.

Heavy Vehicle Speed Limits

Heavy vehicles are subject to lower speed limits than light motor vehicles. These limits are frequently tested in the learner's exam:

• Urban areas: 60 km/h (same as all vehicles).
• Rural roads (outside urban areas, not freeway): 80 km/h — not the 100 km/h limit that applies to cars. This applies to all vehicles with a GVM exceeding 9,000 kg.
• Freeways: 100 km/h — not the 120 km/h limit for cars.

Vehicles with a GVM between 3,500 kg and 9,000 kg follow the same limits as light vehicles in some categories, but many operators and fleet policies impose the 80/100 km/h limits regardless.

Following Distance

Heavy vehicles require significantly longer braking distances than cars due to their mass. On rural roads outside urban areas, the law requires a minimum following distance of 200 metres between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when driving at or near the speed limit. This is not the 2-second rule used for cars — it is a fixed 200-metre distance.

In wet, foggy, or dusty conditions, increase this distance further. A fully laden truck travelling at 80 km/h can take 80-100 metres to stop under ideal dry conditions — far more than a car at the same speed.

Additional Rules for Heavy Vehicles

• Roadworthiness certificate: Commercial heavy vehicles must have a valid roadworthiness certificate (ACR — Annual Certificate of Roadworthiness) issued by an authorised testing station. The certificate must be renewed annually.
• Load securing: All loads must be properly secured to prevent movement, tipping, or spillage. Common methods include:
  • Chains with binders for heavy or rigid loads
  • Ratchet straps for palletised goods
  • Tarpaulin secured with ropes or straps to prevent loose material from blowing off
  • Load bars to prevent forward movement of cargo
  An unsecured load is a criminal offence. Loads extending beyond the rear of the vehicle must be marked with a red flag by day or a red light and reflector at night.
• Axle load limits: Single axle: 8,000 kg. Steering axle: 7,700 kg (or 9,000 kg on certain roads). Tandem axle group: 18,000 kg. Tridem axle group: 24,000 kg. Exceeding these limits damages roads and results in heavy fines.
• Bridge mass limits: Maximum total vehicle mass allowed on certain bridges is posted on bridge signs. Exceeding the posted limit is an offence.
• Driving hours (PrDP holders):
  • Maximum 5 hours continuous driving without a rest break of at least 30 minutes.
  • Maximum 10 hours total driving in any 24-hour period.
  • Minimum 8 consecutive hours off-duty rest before the next driving period.

The Heavy Vehicle Yard Test

The yard test for Code C1/C is more extensive than the Code B yard test due to the size of the vehicle and additional systems.

Pre-Trip Inspection

The pre-trip inspection for a heavy vehicle is significantly more involved than for a car. The examiner expects you to check:

• All tyres on all axles — pressure, tread depth, condition, wheel nut tightness
• All lights — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, marker lights, clearance lights, reflectors, number plate light
• Mirrors — wide-angle, kerb-side, and standard mirrors adjusted correctly
• Air brake system — build air pressure to operating level, check for audible air leaks, test the park brake hold, check that the low-pressure warning buzzer activates at the correct threshold
• Under the bonnet — engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, fan belt, radiator hoses
• Load security — if the vehicle is carrying a load, check that it is properly secured
• Coupling (if towing) — drawbar pin, safety chains, air lines connected, electrical connected, trailer brake test

Alley Docking

Reverse the heavy vehicle into a marked bay. This requires careful mirror use and an understanding of the vehicle's much larger turning radius and longer wheelbase. Use reference points and check all mirrors throughout the manoeuvre.

Turning in Confined Spaces

Heavy vehicles have a much wider turning circle than cars. The examiner will assess your ability to manoeuvre the vehicle in a restricted area without mounting kerbs or striking obstacles.

Incline Start

Move the heavy vehicle away from a standstill on a slope without rolling back. With air brakes, the technique differs from a car: build revs, release the park brake (push the yellow knob in), and engage the clutch smoothly. The heavier the vehicle, the more throttle is needed and the more precise the clutch control must be.

The Heavy Vehicle Road Test

The road test follows the same K53 observation routines as the Code B test, but with additional focus areas specific to heavy vehicles:

• Mirror use: Heavy vehicles have significantly larger blind spots. The examiner expects frequent and thorough mirror checks — interior mirror, right wide-angle, left wide-angle, kerb-side mirror — before every manoeuvre.
• Gear selection: Heavy vehicles have more gears (typically 6, 9, or even 12-speed gearboxes). On older trucks, double-declutching may be required (clutch out to neutral, match revs, clutch in to the next gear). The examiner expects smooth, correctly timed gear changes.
• Wide turns: The rear axle of a heavy vehicle cuts corners significantly. You must swing wide when turning to prevent the rear wheels from mounting the kerb or striking obstacles.
• Braking distance awareness: Maintain the required 200 m following distance. Begin braking earlier than you would in a car. Use engine braking (selecting a lower gear) on descents rather than riding the service brakes.
• Speed management: Observe the lower speed limits for heavy vehicles. Approach hills in the correct gear — select your gear before the hill, not during it.

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