Gauteng Road MEC proposes technical committee for driving schools to address challenges
Gauteng MEC Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met with various stakeholders in addressing challenges relating to driving schools with a proposal of forming a committee.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is strengthening oversight of the driving school industry through a proposed technical committee and a pilot of an improved book-and-pay system at Edenvale and Marlboro Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met driving school stakeholders at Koedoespoort, together with Rand West City Local Municipality MMC Bruce Nimmerhoudt and Sedibeng District Municipality MMC Ntjanyana Phala.
According to the department, discussions focused on driving licence booking challenges, regulatory compliance and improved co-operation between government and legitimate driving school operators.
Diale-Tlabela said a permanent consultative platform would help the government and the industry address persistent challenges and develop practical solutions.
“We cannot continue meeting without making meaningful progress. We need a structured forum where government and the driving school industry can address challenges openly, agree on responsibilities and work together towards a professional, transparent and accountable licensing environment,” she said.
The department stated that the proposed Gauteng Driving School Technical Committee would provide a platform to address operational challenges, improve co-ordination and strengthen learner-driver training.
The department is also considering a dedicated driving school business account to support legitimate operators while protecting fair public access to licensing services.
Stakeholders raised concerns about limited online booking slots, system downtime, inadequate training facilities, alleged booking irregularities and other practices that undermine the integrity of the licensing system.
“Driving schools are important partners in road safety, skills development and community development. We want to support legitimate businesses, but this must go hand in hand with compliance, ethical conduct and accountability. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that learners receive proper training and become competent, responsible drivers,” she said.
The department’s database records more than 454 driving schools across Gauteng. The National Road Traffic Amendment Act, 2024 (Act 8 of 2024), provides for the registration and grading of driving schools, strengthening the regulatory framework for professional driver training.
The MEC also urged driving school operators to pursue registration and certification, uphold professional standards and work with the department to improve licensing services and road safety.
“Our objective is to move from frustration to cooperation and from recurring challenges to practical solutions. By working together, we can strengthen the industry, create opportunities for our communities and make Gauteng’s roads safer,” she said.
