Potholes are a daily obstacle for drivers in town and on surrounding roads, with conditions proving difficult for even the most experienced motorists. For learner drivers, the challenge is even greater, as the official testing route has deteriorated to the point where swerving around potholes and guessing at faded road markings has become unavoidable.

The Traffic Department has confirmed that the testing route will be out of use for the next three months. During this time, extensive repairs are being carried out to restore the road surface and improve safety. In addition to filling potholes, officials will also repaint the road markings, which have long since worn away. One frustrated learner driver said his instructor had advised him to simply guide the car slowly through potholes during lessons, since swerving to avoid them is not allowed during a test. “It is also very difficult to see where the lanes are once you travel down Suid Street from the testing grounds, especially when you have to switch lanes as part of the test,” he explained.

At this stage, driving schools are taking their clients to Paulpietersburg, Nquthu and Newcastle for bookings and testing. While this allows learners to continue with the process, it comes at a cost of extra travel time and expenses, and not all families can easily manage the additional burden.

While the temporary closure may inconvenience learners waiting to take their tests, the department has emphasised that the upgrades are necessary to ensure that the route meets the required standards for safe and reliable testing in future.

Director of Community Services Mr TS Mthembu said, “The team is currently working in West and South streets. We anticipate that the route will be completed mid-September. Thereafter, the Department of Transport will conduct an inspection for our operations to commence.”

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.