Find out if you need an EB license to tow a caravan in South Africa. Learn the 750kg rule, penalties, insurance implications, and how to get your EB endorsement.
You've found the perfect camper on Kampi, the dates are open, and you're ready to hit the road. But before you book, there's one question you need to answer honestly: Do you have the right driver's license to tow it?
If you hold a standard Code B license (the one most South Africans have), there's a good chance you cannot legally tow a caravan. Here's why -and what to do about it.
South African law draws a clear line at 750 kg GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass):
Here's the catch: almost every caravan in South Africa exceeds 750 kg GVM. Even a lightweight Sprite Swing has a GVM of around 1,240 kg. A family-sized Jurgens Penta sits at roughly 1,800 kg. That off-road Bushlapa? Easily over 2,000 kg.
GVM is the maximum total mass of the trailer -the trailer itself plus everything loaded inside it. It's stamped on the trailer's compliance plate, not something you estimate.
Bottom line: If you're renting a caravan (not a tiny luggage trailer), you almost certainly need an EB license.
An EB license is your standard Code B license with a heavy trailer endorsement. The "E" stands for the trailer authorization. It allows you to tow trailers and caravans with a GVM between 751 kg and 3,500 kg.
Here's how the license codes compare:
If you got your license before the year 2000, you may already be covered. The old Code 08 license was automatically converted to Code EB when South Africa switched to the new card system. Check the back of your license card -if it shows "EB", you're good.
If you got your license after 2000, you almost certainly only have Code B unless you specifically tested for EB. It doesn't happen automatically.
Having the right license isn't the only requirement. Your tow vehicle must also meet minimum weight ratios:
For example, if a caravan has a GVM of 1,500 kg, your tow vehicle must have a tare of at least 1,500 kg. Most bakkies and SUVs meet this, but smaller sedans and crossovers often don't.
Always check your vehicle's tare weight (found in your NATIS document or owner's manual) against the caravan's GVM before booking.
This is where it gets serious. Towing a caravan without the correct license isn't just a technicality:
On the road:
With your insurance:
The R700 fine is the least of your worries. One accident without the right license could cost you hundreds of thousands of rands out of pocket. Don't risk it.
If you don't have one yet, here's the process:
What you need:
The steps:
The practical test includes:
Cost: R2,500 to R7,000 total (including lessons and test fees)
Time: 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish
The reversing is where most people fail. If you can reverse a trailer in a straight line, you're already ahead of the game. Practice, practice, practice.
"My Code B lets me tow anything."
No. Code B covers trailers up to 750 kg GVM. That's a small luggage or flatbed trailer -not a caravan.
"If the trailer has brakes, I can tow it on Code B."
No. Brakes are a separate legal requirement. Any trailer over 750 kg must have brakes AND the driver needs EB. One doesn't replace the other.
"750 kg refers to the load weight."
No. It's the GVM -the maximum total mass including the trailer itself, water, gas, bedding, and everything else packed inside.
"Nobody checks."
Traffic officers do check, especially on holiday routes and at roadblocks. And if there's an accident, the first thing insurance investigates is whether you had the correct license.
"My bakkie can tow anything."
Even with the right license, your tow vehicle's tare must meet minimum ratios relative to the trailer's GVM. Not all bakkies qualify for all trailers.
Many listings on Kampi include the trailer's GVM or specify whether an EB license is required. Some listings even have "No EB Required" in the title -these are typically lighter trailers that can be towed on a Code B (though you should still verify the GVM yourself).
When you book a camper on Kampi:
If you're keen to start towing but don't have EB yet, search for "No EB Required" on kampi.co.za to find lighter trailers you can legally tow on your Code B. And in the meantime, start the EB process -it's one of the best investments any camping enthusiast can make.
Stay legal. Stay safe. And happy camping!
The Kampi Team
Only if the trailer GVM is above 750 kg. For GVM of 750 kg or less a Code B licence is sufficient.
Code B covers a light motor vehicle with a trailer up to 750 kg GVM. Code EB covers the same vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg.
Compact teardrops and small off-road trailers under 750 kg GVM. See the Code B camper filter at kampi.co.za/no-eb-license.
Book a learner's test for Code EB at your DLTC, pass, practise with a roadworthy combination, then do the K53 EB driving test. Most candidates need 5 to 10 practice hours.