Driver Salary in South Africa

Updated 2026-07-01

Salary Summary — Driver

Average
R8,000 – R16,000 per month
Full Range
R6,000 – R28,000 per month
Entry Level
R6,000 – R9,000 per month (Code 8 / Delivery)
Mid Level
R10,000 – R16,000 per month (Code 10 / Code 14)
Senior Level
R17,000 – R28,000 per month (Long-haul / Cross-border / Specialised)

Salary figures are indicative estimates for South Africa and vary by employer, province, experience and qualifications. Confirm current figures with employers or the relevant bargaining council before making decisions.

Drivers keep South Africa’s economy moving. Pay rises sharply with your licence code and Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), with long-haul and cross-border truck drivers earning the most.

Pay by licence code

  • Code 8 (B) — light delivery and courier roles, entry pay.
  • Code 10 (C1) — medium trucks and larger delivery vehicles.
  • Code 14 (EC) — articulated trucks and heavy haulage, highest pay.

What raises a driver’s salary

  • A valid PrDP — required for goods and passengers.
  • Dangerous goods (hazchem) endorsement — higher-paid loads.
  • Long-haul and cross-border routes — trip allowances add up.
  • A clean driving record — trusted with better routes and vehicles.

Career Path

  • Code 8 Delivery Driver — light vehicles and couriers.
  • Code 10 Driver — medium trucks.
  • Code 14 Driver — heavy and articulated trucks.
  • Long-haul / Cross-border Driver — premium routes.
  • Fleet Controller / Transport Supervisor — off-road management.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • A valid driver’s licence for the relevant code (8, 10 or 14).
  • A Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
  • A clean driving record.
  • Matric is preferred; a hazchem endorsement helps for specialised loads.
  • Knowledge of vehicle inspections and road safety.

Your Next Steps

  • Compare this salary guide with the full career guides for training routes and entry requirements.
  • Check current openings and pay scales on official employer career pages and recruitment portals.
  • If this occupation matches your path, read the CV writing guide to prepare your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Code 14 truck driver earn in South Africa?

Code 14 drivers typically earn R10,000 to R16,000 per month, and experienced long-haul or cross-border drivers can earn R17,000 to R28,000 including trip allowances.

Do I need a PrDP to drive professionally?

Yes. A Professional Driving Permit is legally required to drive goods vehicles and passengers for reward, and most employers will not hire a professional driver without one.

How can I earn more as a driver?

Upgrade your licence code to Code 14, get a PrDP and a dangerous-goods endorsement, keep a clean record, and move into long-haul or cross-border routes.

Where this information comes from

Edubuzz compiles salary information from publicly available sources and general market knowledge for guidance only. Useful places to verify current driver pay include:

  • Official employer career pages and recruitment advertisements.
  • Public sector salary scales where applicable (e.g. DPSA for government posts).
  • Bargaining council agreements for the relevant sector.

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