Many South African job adverts ask for a valid driver’s licence, often with a specific code. Listing yours correctly saves the employer a question and shows at a glance that you meet the requirement.
What the codes mean
- A1: motorcycles up to 125 cc.
- A: motorcycles over 125 cc.
- B: light motor vehicles, such as cars and bakkies, up to 3 500 kg, with a trailer of up to 750 kg. It replaced the old code 08.
- EB: a code B vehicle towing a trailer heavier than 750 kg.
- C1: goods vehicles and buses from 3 500 kg to 16 000 kg. It replaced the old code 10.
- C: goods vehicles and buses over 16 000 kg.
- EC1 and EC: articulated vehicles and heavy vehicles towing a trailer heavier than 750 kg. EC replaced the old code 14.
How to list it on your CV
Put it under Skills or Licences, and say whether you have your own transport if the job involves travel: “Driver’s licence: code EC (old code 14), valid PrDP (goods), own transport”. If your licence card shows an old code, write both so the employer recognises it.
When you need a PrDP
A professional driving permit (PrDP) is needed, on top of your licence, to drive a goods vehicle over 3 500 kg, a bus, a minibus carrying 12 or more people, a breakdown vehicle, any vehicle carrying passengers for reward (such as a taxi) or a vehicle carrying dangerous goods. The categories are G (goods), P (passengers, which includes G) and D (dangerous goods, which includes G and P). You need a medical certificate and no disqualifying traffic convictions, and the permit is valid for two years. Dangerous goods also require training from an approved provider. If the job is a driving job, put your PrDP category and expiry date on your CV.