Code 8 vs Code 10: How to Correctly Feature Your Driver’s License on a CV

If you are applying for work in South Africa, you already know the job market is tight. When a hiring manager looks at a pile of CVs for a position that requires driving, they aren’t just looking to see if you have a license—they are looking for the exact code that matches their fleet and insurance requirements.

Getting this wrong, or worse, leaving it ambiguous, is one of the fastest ways to get your CV tossed into the “reject” pile.

Let’s clear up the confusion between a Code 8 and a Code 10 license, map them to the newer alphanumeric system (like EB and C1), and show you exactly how to display this on your CV to satisfy both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Quick Takeaways: Code 8 vs Code 10 at a Glance

• Code 8 (Light Motor Vehicle): This is your standard driving license for regular cars, SUVs, and small bakkies. It covers vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) up to 3,500 kg. On the newer alphanumeric licenses, this corresponds to Code B or EB.

• Code 10 (Heavy Motor Vehicle): This allows you to drive mid-sized trucks, larger bakkies, and mini-buses with a GVM between 3,501 kg and 16,000 kg. On newer licenses, this is Code C1.

• The “Upgrade” Advantage: A Code 10 license automatically gives you the legal right to drive Code 8 vehicles, making it highly attractive to employers who need flexible team members.

• CV Best Practice: Always list both the old code (Code 8/10) and the new code (B/EB/C1) along with your Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) status if applicable.

The Real-World Impact: Why Recruiters Care

In my years reviewing CVs for logistics, corporate, and field sales roles in South Africa, I’ve seen countless candidates write simply: “Driver’s License: Yes.”

That is an immediate red flag. Why? Because a corporate fleet manager needs to know if you can legally drive a Toyota Hilux loaded with equipment, or if you’re restricted to a small hatchback. Furthermore, company insurance policies require precise licensing verification. If a company vehicle is involved in an accident and the driver holds a Code B license but was operating a vehicle requiring a C1, the insurance claim will be rejected instantly.

By being specific, you demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of South African road regulations.

Decoding the Licenses: Old vs. New Systems

South Africa transitioned from the old “Code” system to an alphanumeric system aligned with international standards. However, everyday language and job advertisements still heavily rely on the terms “Code 8” and “Code 10.”

Here is the exact breakdown of what these codes mean under the National Road Traffic Act.

1. Code 8 (The Light Vehicle License)

This is the most common license for everyday drivers.

• Vehicle Types: Sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and standard light bakkies (e.g., VW Polo, Toyota Hilux single cab without heavy loads).

• Weight Restrictions: Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3,500 kg or less.

• New Code Equivalent:

  • Code B: Standard light motor vehicle.

  • Code EB: Light motor vehicle pulling a heavy trailer (GVM of trailer exceeds 750 kg, but total combined weight remains within specific limits).

2. Code 10 (The Medium-Heavy Vehicle License)

This is a commercial stepping stone and is highly sought after in logistics, delivery services, and field operations.

• Vehicle Types: Mid-sized delivery trucks, large box vans, and large minibuses (e.g., Toyota Dyna, Isuzu NPR trucks).

• Weight Restrictions: Vehicles with a GVM between 3,501 kg and 16,000 kg.

• New Code Equivalent: Code C1.

Important Note on Articulated Vehicles: Neither Code 8 nor Code 10 allows you to drive heavy articulated vehicles (truck-tractors with semi-trailers like an unjointed horse-and-trailer). For those, you need a Code 14 (Code EC) license.

Can a Code 10 Driver Legally Drive a Code 8 Vehicle?

Yes. In South Africa, holding a higher vehicle classification license inherently covers the lower classifications within that category. If you have a valid Code 10 (C1) license, you are legally permitted to drive a standard Code 8 (B) light motor vehicle.

The Bakkie Trap: Why Code 10 is Highly Valued

Many large single-cab and double-cab bakkies used in engineering, construction, and agricultural sectors hover right around the 3,500 kg GVM mark when fully loaded with tools, stock, or machinery.

If a candidate only has a standard Code 8 (B) license, they might be pushing the absolute legal limit of their license when operating a loaded work bakkie. Employers love seeing a Code 10 on a CV even for standard field roles because it gives them peace of mind that the employee can handle heavier fleet vehicles without violating traffic laws or insurance policies.

What is a PrDP and Do You Need It?

When applying for driving jobs, your driver’s license is only half the equation. The other half is the Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).

A PrDP is an additional certification required if you are driving on South African public roads for income or transporting specific payloads. You require a PrDP if you drive:

1. Goods Vehicles: Any vehicle with a GVM exceeding 3,500 kg (this applies to almost all Code 10 roles).

2. Passengers: Any vehicle configured to carry 12 or more people (including the driver), or any vehicle carrying passengers for a fee (like an Uber or taxi).

3. Hazardous Goods: Transporting fuel, chemicals, or explosives.

If your role involves transporting company stock in a heavy truck, you must have a valid PrDP. Listing this clearly on your CV can give you a massive advantage over other applicants.

How to Correctly Feature Your License on Your CV

To make your CV scannable for recruiters and compliant with ATS software, you should create a dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” section. Place it near your personal details or right below your skills summary.

The Ideal Structure

Your listing should include four key details:

1. The Code (Both old and new format)

2. The Vehicle Description (Briefly, for ATS keyword matching)

3. Issue & Expiry Dates (Proves currency)

4. PrDP Status (If applicable)

CV Examples for Both Formats

Example 1: Code 8 Applicant (Sales, Admin, Corporate Roles)

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Driver’s License: Code 8 (New System: Code B)

Vehicle Class: Light Motor Vehicle (GVM up to 3,500kg)

Status: Valid / Unendorsed

Expiry Date: 14 October 2029

Example 2: Code 10 Applicant (Logistics, Deliveries, Technical Roles)

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Driver’s License: Code 10 (New System: Code C1)

Vehicle Class: Medium-Heavy Motor Vehicle (GVM up to 16,000kg)

*Note: Legally qualified to operate Code 8 / Code B vehicles.

Professional Driving Permit (PrDP): Category G (Goods) – Valid

License Expiry: 22 May 2028 | PrDP Expiry: 22 May 2027

3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid on Your CV

1. Omitting the Expiry Date: Recruiters hate having to guess if a license is expired. If your license is currently up for renewal, write: Code 10 (C1) – Valid (Renewal Application in Progress, Temporary License Held).

2. Hiding the License at the Bottom: If the job description specifically asks for a driver’s license, do not hide it on page 3. Put it right on page 1 under your contact details or summary.

3. Confusing Code 10 with Code 14: Never overstate your capability. Listing a Code 10 when the job requires driving a massive interlink truck (Code 14/EC) will result in immediate disqualification once your physical license card is checked during the interview phase.

Join the Discussion: What’s Your Experience?

We want to hear from both job seekers and employers in South Africa:

If you are a job seeker, have you ever missed out on an interview because of a licensing misunderstanding? If you are a recruiter or fleet manager, how much weight does a Code 10 carry over a Code 8 when you review applications?

Drop your thoughts, questions, or your own CV tips in the comments below!