The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has released a proposal to the government stating that motorists should be required to retake their driver’s test every five years, regardless of how many years they have been driving for.
The RTMC has proposed a complete change in South African driving and testing regulations. Even though the changes are still being discussed, the RTMC aims to initiate a complete overhaul of the K53 driving test.
Why Has This Proposal Been Made?
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, has said that the motivation to retest drivers every five years came from the increasingly dangerous behavior of SA drivers, leading to fatal road accidents. “When you renew your license, you should not just go to the window; we believe you should be retested. Many people will not be able to pass.” Zwane said in an interview with the Sunday Times.
South African roads have been painted red, with over 767 people losing their lives within the first 18 days of this past festive season alone. Transport Minister Blade Nzimande said that the death rate on South African roads has shot up by 16% in 2018. He called out drunk drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and irresponsible taxi drivers, reporting that 86% of the road fatalities were due to human error.
5 Proposals Made By The RTMC:
Although this proposal might sound like a grand plan in the fight for safer roads, South Africa has a whole host of other internal issues that it needs to deal with before retesting can even come into play. Find out what other proposed changes have been put forward: Read More
