How to do an EB Licence
Note: if you already have a B Code licence you will have to re-do your learners and drivers licence Competency Tests as well as demonstrate the ability to tow a trailer or caravan.
Tip: Use a trailer, it is a lot easier to do the test with than a caravan. It is also easier to hire for practicing and doing the actual test with.Steps to take.
Get a learners licence application form (LL1) from the Traffic Department
Apply for Code 2 (EB) light motor vehicle licence
Obtain and study the K53 Drivers Handbook
Do the written test and obtain your learners licence.
Practice towing especially the yard test manoeuvres you will be asked to do. Tip: Use a driving instructor to assist you. The AA recommends using an instructor who is a member of SAIDI the Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors www.saidi.co.za
Apply for a drivers licence test date.
Do the test and pass.
If you’re wondering whether you’re licensed to tow that large caravan this festive season, take a look.
If you have a Code B license, you can:
Operate vehicles (except motorcycles) with an unladen weight of 3 500 kilograms or less; and minibusses, buses, and goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3 500 kg or less. A trailer with a GVM of 750 kg or less may be attached.
With a Code EB license, you can:
Operate articulated vehicles with gross combination mass / GCM (that’s the maximum weight including the vehicle, load and passengers) of up to 3500 kg; and vehicles allowed by Code B, but with a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg. If you have an EB license you’re authorized to drive all vehicles listed under B.
Driving license codes
The classification, standardized throughout the whole southern African region, consists of the following groups of licenses, based on the European Unified Driving Licence system.
A = Motor cycles
B = Light motor vehicles (up to 3 500 kg GVM)
C = Heavy motor vehicles
D = Combinations, including articulated vehicles.
The various codes within these groups, tabled below are taken from the Professional Driver’s Digest
The holder of a licence to drive a particular class of vehicle is not authorized to drive any other, except where other codes have been indicated in the table.
The system makes a distinction between rigid vehicles and rigid vehicles drawing trailers (above 750 kg GVM). For example, the holder of a code C1 is permitted to drive a heavy goods vehicle up to 16 000 kg GVM but needs an EC1 license in order to pull a trailer heavier than 750 kg GVM.
What vehicle can I drive with EB Licence?
With a Code EB license, you can: Operate articulated vehicles with gross combination mass / GCM (that’s the maximum weight including the vehicle, load and passengers) of up to 3500 kg; and vehicles allowed by Code B, but with a trailer with GVM greater than 750 kg.