Going for your driver’s licence – avoid these pitfalls

According to the eNatis national driver’s licence population statistics, the number of Code B licensed drivers (driving motor vehicles, including minibuses, buses and goods vehicles, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3 500kg) has increased by 39 252 between January and February.

Even with a significant increase in licensed drivers in just one month, there is still a vast number of South Africans who do not pass the driver’s licence test the first time.

So what are the main reasons for people failing their driver’s licence test?

“Many people do not research the driving school or instructor beforehand, are unfamiliar with important driver’s test rules and scoring, experience the test route for the first time when taking the test, or are simply too nervous on the day,” says Derek Wilson, head of online insurance and financial services comparison website, Hippo.co.za.

These and other factors could be demotivating and costly to drivers.

Tips to consider if you plan on getting your licence:

1. Pick the right teacher – do your research and ask around to get reviews from others to ensure you have a legitimate, ethical and experienced driving school and instructor.

2. Know the rules – avoid disappointment by familiarising yourself with the immediate fail items (on the K53 website) so you do not fall victim to unfair failures. If, for example, the vehicle is not licensed or roadworthy, it is considered an immediate fail.

3. Don’t rush it – ensure that you complete a sufficient number of lessons and can successfully complete all the manoeuvres before you even book your test date.

4. Practice makes perfect – keep practising until the test day arrives and ask your driving instructor to take you for a trial on the test route and in the test yard two or three days before your test.

5. Stay relaxed and focused – mentally reassure and remind yourself that you have done it all before and that you can do what is required. Try not to rush things and rather take your time to do it properly.

“For those who will also be driving their own car once they are legally licensed drivers, remember that insurers factor in how long you have had your licence when calculating your monthly premium. As a newly licensed driver, you will likely be charged a higher premium than someone who has been driving for longer.”