No, as a hearse does not transport persons for reward, it does not fall within the requirements of regulations 115, 142 or 265.
Due to the confusion as to whether a corpse is still considered a person or goods it was specifically exempted in regulation 115 and 142.
Reg 115. Certain drivers of certain vehicles to hold professional driving permit
(1) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (2), a professional driving permit shall be held by the driver of—
(a) a goods vehicle, the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms;
(b) a breakdown vehicle;
(c) a bus;
(d) a minibus—
(i) the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms; or
(ii) which is designed or adapted for the conveyance of 12 or more persons, including the driver;
(e) a motor vehicle used for the conveyance of persons for reward or is operated in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA.
(f) a motor vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms to which regulations 273 to 283 apply as contemplated in regulation 274;
(g) a motor vehicle conveying 12 or more persons including the driver.
(2) The provisions of subregulation (1) does not apply—
(a) to a traffic officer, examiner of vehicles or examiner for driving licences in the performance of his or her duties as contemplated in section 3I, 3G and 3H of the Act, respectively;
(b) to a person driving a hearse;
(c) to a person driving a motor vehicle referred to in regulation 21(1) or 21(5);
(d) subject to regulation 99(2), to a person driving a motor vehicle for which he or she holds a valid learner’s licence with the code prescribed for that vehicle in terms of regulation 99(1), while being accompanied by a person holding a valid professional driving permit which authorises him or her to drive that vehicle;
(e) to a person driving a tractor.
Reg 142. Certain classes of motor vehicles requiring roadworthy certificates
(1) A roadworthy certificate shall be required for—
(a) a goods vehicle, the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms;
(b) a breakdown vehicle;
(bA) a motor vehicle to which regulations 273 to 283 apply as contemplated in regulation 274: Provided that his provision shall become effective to motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of 3 500 kilograms and under, as from 1 December 2001;
(c) a bus;
(d) a minibus—
(i) the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms; or
(ii) which is designed or adapted for the conveyance of 12 or more persons, including the driver; or
(e) a motor vehicle used for the conveyance of persons for reward.
(2) The provisions of subregulation (1) shall not apply to a—
(a) motor vehicle referred to in regulation 138(2)(c) or a trailer drawn by a tractor.
(b) motor vehicle which is operated under the authority of a motor trade number, special permit or temporary permit;
(c) hearse; or
(d) motor vehicle owned by the South African Police Service or South African National Defence Force and is designed for combat support and by virtue of such design, does not comply with the provisions of Parts II, III, and IV of Chapter VI.