Driving instructor Ahmed Younus of Stanger writes:
The carnage on South African roads is mainly caused by speeding, negligence and alcohol.
The system of testing driving licences is not contributing to safety in all aspects.
The driving lessons that are given to pupils or students alike is a “parrot fashion” style of teaching.
Students are already given the tricks of how to reverse park by giving them turning points.
Put students to park in real situations and they will not be able to.
The test will disqualify a student if he/she rolls in the parking area, even an inch.
So, driving schools are compelled to use almost the entire driving lesson training the student to not roll during parking, not leaving enough time to train students to drive properly on the road.
Accidents are taking place on the roads and freeways, not while trying to park your car.
And even if while parking if you roll or damage properties there is almost zero chance of casualties.
The government should review the driving test format and issue a penalty point for rolling rather than it being an instant disqualification which is totally unfair as pupils are spending exorbitant amounts to get their driving licence.
The K53 system does not determine that a person is capable of driving a motor vehicle.
Even the actual driving route that students are tested to drive is designated by the government so the applicant already knows which road they going to drive on.
But students are not ready to drive on roads they aren’t acquainted with, in the centre of Durban.
I would like to invite the Department of Transport for an open discussion on the failure of the K53 system and how we could improve the driving test.
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