Those of us who have been through the stressful and nerve-racking experience of learning to drive, and everything that comes with it, do not envy those of you who are currently going through it. We remember the shaky feet pressed firmly against the peddles while trying to master hill starts, the overwhelming feeling you get during your first drive in traffic, and boy do we remember the test itself! Our thoughts are with you.
Thankfully, once it’s done, it’s done, and unless you plan on applying for a different type of driving licence, or you fail the first one, hopefully you’ll never have to do it again.
Passing your driver’s test very much depends on the type of experience and training you receive. While cheap driving schools might be tempting, it’s important that you be selective when it comes to choosing the right one, to improve your chance of passing the first time round. It’s also important to choose a good driving school, so that we have more drivers on SA’s roads with good training!
Also read: The consequences of owning an illegal driving license
According to the Automobile Association (AA), more than 1 260 000 learner driving licences were issued in South Africa in 2016, according to figures published by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
"There is, unfortunately, a tendency among many people to learn to pass a driving test, rather than to learn to drive competently. This is counter-productive and, ultimately, puts drivers on our roads who are certified but not necessarily qualified. If South Africa is to reduce its staggering annual road death toll this attitude must change," the AA says.
The AA advises that anyone looking for driving schools in their area must:
- Check if the driving school is accredited with the South African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI)
- Ask for referrals from friends who have recently had children go through driving training
- Speak to their children’s school for referrals
- Visit the driving school in person, and observe the training process
- Ask to see the credentials of the people involved in the driving training
- Speak to the people who are currently being trained for their opinion on the quality of the teaching
- Assess at least two or three driving schools before settling on one
- Appraise the progress of the new driver after the first few lessons
"Asking about success rates from driving schools is tricky, as the figures may not be accurate. Observe the school’s methods for yourself, and do your homework before making a final decision. Remember, the goal is to create qualified rather than certified drivers. It is always best to consider the competence of the instructor, and not necessarily the cheapest available option," the AA concludes.
Source: The Automobile Association (AA)
