what is code 3 learners licence
A Code 3 learner’s licence in South Africa is the learner permit for heavy / large motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding 3 500 kg, and you must be at least 18 years old to apply.
What is a Code 3 learner’s licence?
- It is a learner’s licence category that covers motor vehicles over 3 500 kg GVM.
- It is meant for trucks and other heavy vehicles (not motorcycles or light cars)..
- You may only drive under the supervision of a fully licensed driver for that vehicle class.
In simple terms: Code 1 is for bikes, Code 2 is for normal cars/light vehicles, and Code 3 is for heavy vehicles.
What vehicles Code 3 lets you drive
- Motor vehicles with GVM greater than 3 500 kg (e.g. many trucks and heavier goods vehicles).
- It excludes motorcycles, motor tricycles and quad bikes.
- It is the learner step towards heavy / medium truck licences (for example, Code 10 and related heavy vehicle categories).
Age and validity
- Minimum age to apply: 18 years on the date of the test for Code 3.
- The learner’s licence is typically valid for 24 months (2 years) and cannot be extended.
Key facts as quick bullets
- Category: Heavy motor vehicles (GVM > 3 500 kg).
- Use: Learning to drive heavy vehicles under supervision.
- Minimum age: 18.
- Validity: 24 months.
- Not the same as a full Code 10 driver’s licence – you still need to pass a driving test later to get the full licence.
Simple HTML table for clarity
| Licence code | Vehicle type | GVM range | Minimum age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code 2 learner’s | Cars, minibuses, small goods vehicles | [9][5]Up to 3 500 kg | [5][9]17 years | [9][5]Light vehicles only | [5][9]
| Code 3 learner’s | Heavy motor vehicles (trucks, larger goods vehicles) | [3][9][5]Over 3 500 kg | [9][5]18 years | [7][5][9]Step towards heavy/Code 10-type licences | [7][3]
Is Code 3 learner’s the same as Code 10?
- No.
- Code 3 learner’s = you are still a learner, allowed to drive Code 3 heavy vehicles only under supervision.
- Code 10 driver’s licence = full licence that lets you drive relevant medium/heavy vehicles on your own.
Mini forum-style note
“what is code 3 learners licence” is a trending practical question in South African driving forums, especially among people moving from normal car licences to truck or logistics work in 2025–2026.
TL;DR: A Code 3 learner’s licence in South Africa is the learner permit for heavy vehicles over 3 500 kg , valid for 24 months, for people 18+ , and it’s your training step towards full heavy/truck licences like Code 10.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.