Upgrading driver's licence to different code

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@naledi96

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Good day.

I have a Code B (8) driver's license. I renewed it a few years ago when I lost my licence, and it expires in 2021. I want to upgrade to Code EB (10), but I'm worried that maybe I will be considered as a new driver. We all know that such factors as years of driving experience, and the validity of drivers licence affects car purchases, car insurance, etc.
So I would like to know of this will be the case. I have 8yrs driving experience. When I get this new Code EB, will it specify the 1st issue of driving licence to specify the total years I've been driving as it does on my current one, or will it make me a new driver?
 
@naledi96 said:
Good day.

I have a Code B (8) driver's license. I renewed it a few years ago when I lost my licence, and it expires in 2021. I want to upgrade to Code EB (10), but I'm worried that maybe I will be considered as a new driver. We all know that such factors as years of driving experience, and the validity of drivers licence affects car purchases, car insurance, etc.
So I would like to know of this will be the case. I have 8yrs driving experience. When I get this new Code EB, will it specify the 1st issue of driving licence to specify the total years I've been driving as it does on my current one, or will it make me a new driver?
Click to expand...

On the card each code will have its own first issue date
 
EB isn't a 10. It's the old 08.
B allows you to pull a small trailer (GVM < 750kg).
EB lets you hitch a larger trailer (GVM > 750kg)
 
ShaunSA said:
EB isn't a 10. It's the old 08.
B allows you to pull a small trailer (GVM < 750kg).
EB lets you hitch a larger trailer (GVM > 750kg)
Click to expand...
Oh, okay. Thank you for that correction. So what is the new code for old Code 10?

So basically answer is i will be considered a new driver with new issue date? My code 8 just lapses?
 
@naledi96 said:
Oh, okay. Thank you for that correction. So what is the new code for old Code 10?

So basically answer is i will be considered a new driver with new issue date? My code 8 just lapses?
Click to expand...
The old Code 10 is now C1 (heavy goods vehicle up to 16 000 kg)
The confusion seems to be that you want to "upgrade" your B/EB/08 license to a C1/C. It is not technically possible to do so. You have to go through the entire process (learner's, driving test) to get a new code of license. And your old one will not expire or lapse. I have an A1 (motorcycle less than 125cc) which I obtained at age 16 AND code A (motorcycle more than 125cc) which I could only get after age 18 after going through the whole process again. Both codes remain on your licence card. Each code is indicated on the same drivers' license card with their individual effective date. You will therefore not be viewed as a "new" driver of a light motor vehicle (B/EB), but only as a new driver of a heavy vehicle.
 
cr@zydude said:
With the EB your combination mass still needs to be less than 3.5 tons.
Click to expand...
No, it’s your gross vehicle mass which needs to be < 3500kg. The gross combination mass includes the trailer and that can get up to around 7000kg depending on the vehicle and the trailer.
 
Sputnik100 said:
The old Code 10 is now C1 (heavy goods vehicle up to 16 000 kg)
The confusion seems to be that you want to "upgrade" your B/EB/08 license to a C1/C. It is not technically possible to do so. You have to go through the entire process (learner's, driving test) to get a new code of license. And your old one will not expire or lapse. I have an A1 (motorcycle less than 125cc) which I obtained at age 16 AND code A (motorcycle more than 125cc) which I could only get after age 18 after going through the whole process again. Both codes remain on your licence card. Each code is indicated on the same drivers' license card with their individual effective date. You will therefore not be viewed as a "new" driver of a light motor vehicle (B/EB), but only as a new driver of a heavy vehicle.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. Explained to me thoroughly what I needed to hear.
 
what must i do if I have code 10 drivers license and want to upgrade to code 14 drivers license.. must Igo for learners again?
 
Siyabonga Mashele said:
what must i do if I have code 10 drivers license and want to upgrade to code 14 drivers license.. must Igo for learners again?
Click to expand...

my understanding is you could possibly skip the learners (as code 10/11/14 - old codes - the test is the same) so long as your learners is still valid, i may be wrong though
 
Has anyone upgraded their license recently and confirm if their old code still appears on the new license?

I upgraded from a B (2005) to a EC a few months ago and my new card only shows the EC with the new issue date.. I'm wondering if they maybe made a mistake as I've seen someone's card with an A and EB license where both are printed on the same card..

Is it different for B and C or EC as you can still drive normal vehicles with the EC license, whereas A is only for Motorbikes?

The only reason I want to know as most insurers charge higher excess for new drivers (under 2 years), I've had my normal license for over 19 years, so I don't want to be considered a new driver, just because of the upgrade.
 
mh348 said:
Has anyone upgraded their license recently and confirm if their old code still appears on the new license?

I upgraded from a B (2005) to a EC a few months ago and my new card only shows the EC with the new issue date.. I'm wondering if they maybe made a mistake as I've seen someone's card with an A and EB license where both are printed on the same card..

Is it different for B and C or EC as you can still drive normal vehicles with the EC license, whereas A is only for Motorbikes?

The only reason I want to know as most insurers charge higher excess for new drivers (under 2 years), I've had my normal license for over 19 years, so I don't want to be considered a new driver, just because of the upgrade.
Click to expand...
With EC you can drive anything. It would be pointless putting B on the licence card as E includes B
 
Most people have B which means little tiny Venter trailers... to go higher you need to retest = pain in the ass. Those higher ones are very lucky buggers!

Also most people don't even realise that and just go rent a trailer and off they go = highly illegal
 
Wrath of Khan MD said:
Most people have B which means little tiny Venter trailers... to go higher you need to retest = pain in the ass. Those higher ones are very lucky buggers!

Also most people don't even realise that and just go rent a trailer and off they go = highly illegal
Click to expand...
The test back in the day was the standard driver's test and it was EB, old Code 08. Then the ANC saw a money making opportunity and made a distinction between B and EB as you need EB to tow a caravan, and they know who the target market are for caravans.
 
mh348 said:
Has anyone upgraded their license recently and confirm if their old code still appears on the new license?

I upgraded from a B (2005) to a EC a few months ago and my new card only shows the EC with the new issue date.. I'm wondering if they maybe made a mistake as I've seen someone's card with an A and EB license where both are printed on the same card..

Is it different for B and C or EC as you can still drive normal vehicles with the EC license, whereas A is only for Motorbikes?

The only reason I want to know as most insurers charge higher excess for new drivers (under 2 years), I've had my normal license for over 19 years, so I don't want to be considered a new driver, just because of the upgrade.
Click to expand...
It's normal ... dont stress
 
Wrath of Khan MD said:
Most people have B which means little tiny Venter trailers... to go higher you need to retest = pain in the ass. Those higher ones are very lucky buggers!

Also most people don't even realise that and just go rent a trailer and off they go = highly illegal
Click to expand...
You only need E if the trailer has GVM of more than 750kg
 
Speedster said:
With EC you can drive anything. It would be pointless putting B on the licence card as E includes B
Click to expand...
Yes I know, but if someone looks at my card it looks like I'm a noob lol, mainly worried about insurance as I don't want to be seen as a new driver, but I do have a scanned copy of my old card so hopefully that won't be an issue.
 
Wrath of Khan MD said:
Most people have B which means little tiny Venter trailers... to go higher you need to retest = pain in the ass. Those higher ones are very lucky buggers!

Also most people don't even realise that and just go rent a trailer and off they go = highly illegal
Click to expand...
There are lots of the utility trailers (open trailers) with a GVM of up to or less than 750kg which can be towed using a Code B, so definitely not just small Venter trailers.. I sometimes rent a 3.5m utility trailer with a GVM of 750kg and used to drive it on a Code B/08, but because I occasionally have to drive a bigger vehicle (over 3500kg) I needed a Code 10/C, but decided to do a EC/14, so I can now drive anything.
 
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