Upgrading driver's licence to different code

[@naledi96]

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?

 

[Steamy Tom]

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?

On the card each code will have its own first issue date

 

[ShaunSA]

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)

 

[cr@zydude]

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)

With the EB your combination mass still needs to be less than 3.5 tons.

 

[@naledi96]

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)

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?

 

[Sputnik100]

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?

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.

 

[Speedster]

If you're going through the effort of upgrading you might as well go for EC.

 

[Colin62]

With the EB your combination mass still needs to be less than 3.5 tons.

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.

 

[@naledi96]

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.

Thank you so much. Explained to me thoroughly what I needed to hear.

 

[@naledi96]

If you're going through the effort of upgrading you might as well go for EC.

Yea hy. I mean it's a lot effort to go through AGAIN when i want to upgrade to EC in the future.

 

[Siyabonga Mashele]

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?

 

[Steamy Tom]

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?

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