Government looking at scrapping K53 driver’s test: report
The Department of Transport has supported the idea of scrapping the K53 testing system due to the high levels of corruption surrounding testing centres and the increasing death-toll on South African roads, according to a report by IOL.
Speaking at the launch of the UN’s Global Road Safety Week, Deputy Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, noted that there was a growing concern about the quality of drivers being produced.
She referenced a recent parliamentary portfolio committee in which Makhosini Msibi, the chief executive at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), indicated that the K53 system would need to be reviewed.
“The RTMC is our state-owned company and also advises us. When it is time for you to get your licence, make sure that you don’t buy it. Many of the drivers we are talking about are not able to drive because they did not pass their learner’s licence exam,” she said.
“If you have a driver’s licence and you do not know the rules of the road, you will end up overtaking on barrier lines as you will not know what barrier lines mean.”
Chikunga further confirmed that her department would be fully supporting Msibi and the RTMC’s decision to review the testing system and noted that it would impact on how people receive their learner’s and driver’s licences for the better.
While that processes to change the system were already underway, Chikunga noted that it would be difficult to say when exactly the change would take place, as the department would need to propose and table the review in Parliament – a process which which could take up to two years.
Read: The most fuel efficient cars in South Africa right now
Loading ...