Licensing

Justice Project SA describes Sanral draft regulations on eTags as ridiculous

No Comments »Written on April 3rd, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Legal, Licensing, Q&A, Traffic Fines
Tags:

JOHANNESBURG – Justice Project South Africa has responded with amazement to the fact that SANRAL has claimed in its media statement that the essence of the “South African National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act Regulations Draft” is not intended to compel motorists to buy eTags and register with SANRAL.  With the exception of the first paragraph, their release (below ours) reads like an advertisement for eTags and nothing more!

The core essence and purpose of the draft legislation, whilst not directly stating that motorists will actually be forced to have SANRAL’s modern-day, electronic dompas in their vehicles is quite clearly intended to provide for just that.

The draft legislation deals almost solely with the appointment of enforcement officers under section 54 of the SANRAL Act which wasn’t previously defined in the SANRAL Act and now seeks to legislate that “an employee in full or partial uniform” may “at any time enter any motor vehicle and inspect such vehicle and any electronic device installed therein for the purpose of toll collection.”

If indeed there is no requirement for motorists to have an electronic tag, then why would it be deemed necessary to write 3(1)(g) (amongst others) into this legislation?  Why also does the Department of Transport feel that it is necessary or justified to grant the SANRAL Gestapo-like powers which surpass those grated to real law enforcement agencies like the South African Police Services with respect to search and seizure of people’s vehicles and driving licences and other licensing documents?

So rushed was this draft legislation that the “(1)” part of 3(1)(g) was in fact left out in the document published for comment.  The legislation drafters were also quite clearly ignorant of the existence of two other little pieces of legislation – the Criminal Procedure Act and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa; which enshrines the right of every person not to have their person, home or property (which includes a motor vehicle) searched without warrant.

Had the Department of Transport and SANRAL have not adopted the arrogant attitude and grossly incompetent lack of attention to detail they have with respect to this entire eTolling debacle, they would not have had to rush to draft poorly thought out legislation or waste people’s time commenting, within very tight timelines, to draft legislation which violates the Constitution and therefore cannot constitutionally be passed into law by Parliament – unless of course, the Constitution is discarded and changed in its entirety as has been mooted recently, prior to enacting this atrociously ridiculous draft legislation.

Best Regards,

Howard Dembovsky

National Chairman - Justice Project South Africa (NPC)

Association Not For Gain  |  Incorporated as a non-profit company under the Companies Act, 2008  | Registration Number 2010/019972/08

Media Release from Sanral

Road users not obligated to buy an e-tag

The South African Roads National Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to clarify to road users that it is not compulsory for road users to buy an e-tag for Gauteng e-tolling. Registering with an e-tag is optional. Road users are therefore not forced to buy an e-tag but are encouraged to obtain one to enjoy the cost saving benefits available to e-tag users.

The registration procedure communicated by SANRAL and stipulated on the SANRAL website states that the road users can register for Gauteng e-tolling with a South African ID or passport number, physical and postal addresses, contact details (cell phone, landline, fax number and/or email address), account payment details (either cash or bank account or credit card details for those who choose the debit order option), vehicle licence plate number, and make and model of vehicle. Users are also not required to provide their banking details. There are many payment options including cash or electronic funds transfer (EFT) from which the user may choose to set up the e-toll account.

Having an e-tag linked to the e-toll account is an option that is chosen by the road user. The e-tag qualifies road users to the e-tag related discounts. These include the 48 percent e-tag discount and frequent user discounts that are available only to e-tag users. The e-toll tariffs have also been capped at R550 per month for motorcycles and light motor vehicles that are registered with an e-tag.

The e-tag also offers road users protection against licence plate cloning as the e-tag cannot be cloned. The e-tag is linked to one specific vehicle and can only be used with that vehicle.

Expert provides assistance with the Motorcycle Handlebars Test Questions in the K53

No Comments »Written on March 26th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Aarto, Legal, Licensing, Q&A
Tags: , ,

On the 7th of March we made a post titled "Are Learner drivers asked Learner’s Licence test questions outside the Rules of the Road?" This dealt with questions asked at the Akasia test centre on the legal width of the handlebars on a motorbike.

We would like to share a response and some advice received from the K53 Expert Gavin Hoole:

The recent complaints about the learner’s licence test questions used at the Akasia testing centre refer. Here is a summary of the situation (or click here to skip down to an interim solution for candidates).

  • Akasia is asking questions about motorcycle handlebars specifications.
  • The items tested are not in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act which states that candidates must know and understand the Road Signs, Rules of the Road and the Controls of the Vehicle. These handlebars questions relate to a totally different section of the National Road Traffic Act. They can therefore be considered as illegal questions.
  • The matter has been brought to the attention of the Department of Transport who have said that there is no such question in the official test. The Department was again advised that several candidates have complained that those questions are indeed in the computerised tests conducted at the Akasia centre.
  • The matter has also been reported to Carté Blanche and to the Sunday Times.
  • At the time of writing this blog post, we are not aware that any action has been taken over this problem that is causing candidates to fail their learner’s licence test.

Interim Solution

An interim solution is offered on this website

While this matter is hopefully being attended to by the Department of Transport, people are still failing the test because of these questions (which seem so far to be isolated to the Akasia testing centre in Pretoria.

To help candidates pass these questions and obtain their motorcycle learner’s licence, the information – per the National Road Traffic Act’s Rules and Regulations No. R225 – is given on this website.

Click here for motorcycles handlebars specifications as well as other items that set out measurements and distances.

Were you asked such questions?

You can share your comments on these pages:

Complaints About Learner’s Licence Test Questions | K53

and

K53 Test Info Facebook Page


Also view:

History of the K53 Driver Test

Do you have a certificate to prove your basic off-road and 4×4 vehicle driving skills?

No Comments »Written on March 23rd, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Car Insurance, Licensing, Q&A, Vehicle
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

4x4 Driver Training

On Insurance Chat we have made reference to the importance of 4x4 Vehicle Safety. This topic has also been discussed in details on the Arrive Alive website. But how can I improve my 4x4 driving skills in an efforts to enhance safety and avoid insurance claims? We would like to share content from our 4x4 driving specialist that appeared in the magazines Drive Out/Weg Ry.

Get the right training with Drive Out

Did you know that you get certificates for off-road driving? Did you know future legislation may require you to have a basic qualification if you want to drive in an ecologically safe area on your own? You can now get this training at the Drive Out 4x4 Academy, in conjunction with African Off-Road Academy.

You just bought your first 4x4, but you are not sure how to use it. Or you have already completed some tough trails, but have never got a certificate to prove your basic off-road driving skills.

From this month onwards the new Drive Out 4x4 Academy will be presenting a basic off-road driving course in conjunction with African Off-Road Academy (AOA).

The AOA is the first group of off-road driving instructors in South Africa that got proper qualification. To put it the right way – they received accreditation from the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta).

The most important thing is that your certificate will be worth a bit more than a wrestling belt – it will be accredited, which means that the same people who put their seal of approval on matric certificates and trades (Saqa – South African Qualification Authority), will also approve your qualification.

What does training entail?

The basic course (US 254135) will be presented over two days. On the first day you go back to school. A whole heap of interesting theory surrounding off-road driving and 4x4 vehicles gets discussed – from the difference between a 4x4 bakkie and a all wheel drive sedan to when you need to engage a difflock and how you would choose the right tyre pressure for the right terrain.

You are also taught how important it is not to drive like a palooka and damage the entire eco-system.

It is important to understand that this is a course for beginners. If you bought your Pajero last week and you do the course this week, you will not be able to tackle the Congo in the rain season. The idea is to introduce you to ideas and concepts and basic techniques of the off-road driving world.

You will also learn how your vehicle fits together which means things like, approach-, departure- and break over angles and also how you measure them on your vehicle.

On the second day of training you go off-road in your own vehicle.

When Drive Out’s staff did the course, we drove the Klein-Helderberg 4x4 Trail near Stellenbosch. The assessors and instructors are constantly busy evaluating drivers and giving them advice to see whether you understand the basic training.

After completing the trail you have to write a final test before receiving your certificate. This test your comprehension of the learning material.

If you were fed off-road driving together with your mielie-pap and you listened to the instructors, the test should not give you restless nights. And even if it is your first 4x4 experience and you pay attention in class, the test should be a cakewalk.

What does accreditation mean?

When the erstwhile minister of environmental affairs, Marthinus “Kortbroek” van Schalkwyk, said to the 4x4 community that he will ban 4x4’s from ecologically sensitive areas like beaches, the National Off-Road Workgroup (NOW) was started from within the community.

The idea was to eventually moderate 4x4 driving from within the community itself. A set of rules named the Concept Norms and Standards was drawn up and parts of it is included in the so-called accredited training.

This means that training will be of the same standard all-over the country. Before the establishment of NOW anyone who felt that he had the knowledge and time could open an off-road driving school and teach you everything he knows.

If you completed a course like this, it does not necessarily mean that you have less knowledge than someone with an accredited course behind their name, but you do not have certificate that is recognized by everyone, like a matric certificate.

The accreditation is equivalent to three credits on Level 3 of the National Qualification Framework. That is for the basic training (Unit Standard 254135). As soon as you have completed the basic training, you can also complete the advanced off-road training (Unit Standard 254154) through the Drive Out 4x4 Academy.

How do you know somebody is accredited?

Accredited providers will have a Teta number. African Off-Road Academy’s Teta number is TETA 09 201. The numbers means that AOA received their accreditation in 2009 (09) and that they were the 201st (201) supplier in that year that received their accreditation from Teta.

If you come across a number like that, Tinus Botha, owner of AOA, recommends that you Google it. Then you can determine to whom the number belongs and also which Unit Standard courses they offer.

Then, there needs to be at least two accredited people present to present a course. The one will be an assessor and he will have a Teta-ASSR number. The other will be a instructor with a Teta-MOD number. The moderator can also help as an instructor, but sometimes there is a separate instructor.

AOA also requires at least one of their staff members to be trained to level 1 first aid.

Any supplier that gives training, must also be part of SANOTA (the South African National Off-Road Trainers Association).

What is the African Off-Road Academy?

Tinus established African Off-Road Academy in 2008. The AOA has 24 training districts with 11 centres all over South Africa. There are 70 instructors with 42 professional 4x4 and tour guides.

Groete

Andre Botha (4x4 Overland Tour Operators GP3431 & 4x4 Assessor)

Just 4x4 Adventures

Bloemfontein

South Africa

Approved Member of African Off-Road Academy

AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY is an accredited training provider under TETA (TETA09-201)

to train, assess and issue an official Off-Road Driver Certificate

in relation to the unit standards US254135/254154 for 4x4 & off-road driving}

Tel: 0825766058

Fax: 0866121810

www.just4x4adventures.co.za

For 4x4 Vehicles and Car Insurance also view:

Protect yourself when on driving on safari Out-In Africa

“Guide to safety and driving on safari / driving in the nature reserve”

Road Safety for foreigners travelling in South Africa

4x4 Vehicle Safety and Driving off-road

High performance shock absorber could reduce accident risk for 4×4 vehicles

Must I do my drivers licence where I live?

No Comments »Written on March 19th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Aarto, Legal, Licensing, Q&A
Tags: , ,

Question:

I have my learners and am now looking to do my licence. I did my learners in the Northwest but live in Johannesburg.

A friend told me that I can only do my drivers in JHB as I reside in JHB.

Is this true because I am trying to avoid the really long lines in JHB or can Ii do my learners in Klerksdorp or anywhere else for that matter?

Answer:

There are no domicilium rules for a learner or driving licence.

A person can apply for a driving licence anywhere in the country.

Hopeful that the response given satisfies the question asked.

SAVRALA contests claimed eTOLL benefits and calls for Independant Economic study

No Comments »Written on March 16th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Licensing, Q&A, Traffic Fines, Vehicle
Tags: , ,


SAVRALA (Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) representing approximately 450,000 vehicles continues to be very surprised by the ongoing e-Toll benefit motivations presented by SANRAL, its principal, the Department of Transport and more recently Transport Economist Dr Roelof Botha.

These parties often refer to a Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) 8.4 benefit cost ratio. Simply put, this hypothesis claims that for every R1 spent on the tolls, motorist will receive a benefit of R8.40. This claimed benefit is sourced from the Economic Analysis of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme prepared in August 2010 by the Graduate School of Business (University of Cape Town) for both the South African National Roads Agency (Pty) Ltd and the Provincial Government of Gauteng. This claimed benefit cost ratio was also presented in last year’s GFIP Steering Committee Report.

As this claimed benefit is one of the key motivations for the e-Tolling project, SAVRALA would encourage these parties to take note of the Minister of Transport’s reply, tabled on 31 October 2011, to a Democratic Alliance question on the claimed GFIP benefits raised at the National Assembly (Question no 2598);

“As can be seen, the key assumption of the 2007 feasibility study was that the GFIP Project would reduce congestion. In my considered view, and in retrospect, the original feasibility studydid not sufficiently weigh up international evidence suggesting that freeway expansion often does not in the medium term resolve congestion challenges, and often induces greater demand.

It also failed to consider alternative solutions to congestion – improved public transport provision, moving more freight onto rail and a curb on urban sprawl. The project benefits to road users may, therefore, unfortunately not be forthcoming. This is the subject of further assessments and consultations by the Department of Transport and a Cabinet Task Team”.

The claimed GFIP benefits of time savings, reduced vehicle expenses and lower accidents are again based on questionable assumptions derived in many instances from information unchallenged by SANRAL itself. It is also important to note that the Economic Analysis of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme did not request any input from any of the affected stakeholders like SAVRALA. Surely it is time for a proper public and independent economic analysis to be conducted?

It is also essential to separate the actual construction of the roads from their funding model. SAVRALA agrees with SANRAL on the need for the GFIP and that it will provide some benefit, but how much and at what cost is now a moving target. In reality, the viability and efficiency of the proposed e-Tolling model is now well beyond any economic argument.

After the Minister of Finance last month contributed almost R6billion from Treasury to fund SANRAL’s outstanding GFIP debt, the balance now due is approximately R14bn (excluding interest payments). Unfortunately, SANRAL have not made the actual impact of the contribution from the Minister of Finance to the total GFIP debt public. This means one has to determine the relative economic efficiencies of the e-Toll model at a rather crude level - however, the message is clear. Economically, it is irrational to continue with a revenue collection scheme that will very conservatively cost the GFIP users just over R6billion (although it has been estimate to be as much as R11billion), to collect the outstanding R14billion, resulting in an e-Toll administration cost to revenue ratio of 43%!

This is an unacceptable percentage for administration costs and contradicts the Minister of Finance’s earlier call this year for all parties to be wise with scarce resources.

SAVRALA, and many other business and civil associations, have never disputed the need to pay for the costs of GFIP, however, jointly they continue to oppose the unacceptable levels of cost for a wieldy administration imposed by the e-Tolling funding mechanism. SAVRALA therefore calls on the Government to seriously consider other less costly funding models like, the revenue raised from the Fuel Levy, as one of several other funding mechanisms.

Further, SAVRALA remains perplexed as to why the Government remains obstinate in the extreme about the drive to implement such an inefficient and costly system, given the extensive and growing resistance to e-Tolling across South African society, including some elements of Government itself.

It is also of great concern that our Government agencies and their various spokespersons are reverting to verbal bullying and threats against its citizens should they wish to exercise their rights and not register for an e-Tag but rather pay the non-discounted rate given the concerns about individual/account information protection etc.

What is needed, is greater transparency regarding the terms and conditions of the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) tender document and the extent of the potential financial penalties, should the e-Toll project not proceed. The current stance only corroborates Government’s stubbornness to proceed despite all logical and economic reasons to rethink the project.

It has however become painfully obvious, that this is the biggest public uprising against a decision taken by government since the birth of our new democracy 18 years ago.

Also ciew:

Car Rental and Road Safety

With eye testing what are the fields of vision acceptable to get a drivers licence in SA?

No Comments »Written on March 14th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Aarto, Legal, Licensing, Q&A
Tags: , ,

Question:

Please can you let me know the fields of vision (? degrees) acceptable to get a drivers licence in SA?

Answer:

Defective vision disqualifying person from obtaining or holding licence

Reg 102. (1) A person shall be disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driving licence unless—
(a) in the case of an application for a learner’s or driving licence relating to the codes A1, A, B or EB, such person has—

(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/12 (20/40) for each eye, or where the visual acuity of one eye is less than 6/12 (20/40) or where one eye of the person concerned is blind, a minimum visual acuity for the other eye of 6/9 (20/30); and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal, with or without refractive correction, in respect of each eye, or where the minimum visual field in respect of one eye is less than 70 degrees temporal, or where one eye is blind, a minimum total horizontal visual field of at least 115 degrees with or without refractive correction; or
(b) in the case of an application for a learner’s or driving licence relating to the codes C1, C, EC1 and EC, such person has—
(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/9 (20/30) for each eye; and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal in respect of each eye, with or without refractive correction.
(2) (a) A person who is disqualified in terms of subregulation (1) may at such person’s expense approach a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist to test such person’s eyes in terms of the standards referred to in subregulation (1), and the result of such test shall, if it duly reflects the visual acuity of such person according to the Snellen rating, and his or her field of vision expressed in degrees, as contemplated in subregulation (1), be accepted by the driving licence testing centre.
(b) If the result contemplated in paragraph (a) indicates that the person concerned is disqualified as contemplated in subregulation (1), the driving licence testing centre shall not issue such person with a learner’s or driving licence with a code to which the application of that person relates.

Road Safety and the Importance of Clear Vision

Also see:

Understanding the new 4×4 Training Process

2 commentsWritten on February 29th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Finding Insurance, Licensing, Q&A, Vehicle
Tags: , , , , , ,

As you are aware, the face, methods and quality of 4x4 driver training has changed significantly since the beginning of 2010. To be able to conduct and present 4x4 driver training against unit standards  254135 and 254154, the training institution must be a registered training provider with TETA  and the facilitators and assessors must be qualified to facilitate and assess against the relevant unit standards.

After moderation of the training process and assessments, students who are found to be  competent, against the relevant registered unit standards, will be issued with a certificate of competence by the accredited Training Provider and a statement of result by the SETA (named TETA)

As you might have read in the media and in the correspondence of organisations as “NOW” (National Offroad Work Group) and “AAWDC” (Association of All Wheel Drive Cubs”, the target date for government to identify and publish the so-called “sensitive” areas initiative, where you will need this “DCC” (Driver Competency Certificate) is 2014. Now this may seem far in the future, but most people are going to wait to the last minute to get their “DCC’s). As you know yourselves, 99% of 4x4 trails in South Africa and our neighbouring countries are in so-called sensitive areas. The reason being that the routes are either in National or Private Game Reserves, in Mountains areas where erosion is a factor, in Desert areas, along Coastlines or in World Heritage declared areas.

This process has been implemented and are in the process of finalization towards 2014. There’s not going to be more discussions on it, the process and results has been decided on already and all new prospect 4x4 drivers should be trained according to the new process.

As you should be aware there is no need for drivers/people who has done a proper 4x4 course or has gained relevant experience by driving 4x4 trails and do 4x4 overland trips, to do the complete new course, according to the registered unit standards. If you can submit evidence (certificates) and information on trips that you have done (photo’s or video’s), you can apply to be assessed under the “RPL” (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

We acknowledge and appreciate the fact that you spent time, money and effort on 4x4 & off-road training. This proves a positive attitude towards training and self-development. We will evaluate your prior learning and experience and take it into consideration when calculating your notional hours of learning. It might for example mean that you only have to do the practical tests, to determine whether you are able to apply the correct driving techniques.

This is not a new system invented by someone who want to make a quick buck, but a system lobbied for  by all the 4x4 drivers and enthusiasts, who has contributed via , clubs, forums and organizations such as “NOW” and “AAWDC” to get a proper, quality and standardised controlled training process in place. Furthermore this process must convince government and environmentalists, that we can regulate ourselves and drive and behave properly and civilized, to ensure that we can drive and enjoy our treasured 4x4 destinations in and around our beautiful country. However the trainers are going to make a quick buck, once you realized that you’ve waited to long and you are not allowed into a destination, because you don’t have the new “DCC” card. You might then end up paying a lot more to get your “DCC” on very short notice, together with thousands of other 4x4 drivers in the same situation.

Photo by Gerhard Steenkamp/ Superimage/ Phototalk

To familiarized yourself of who African Offroad Academy is and why they are being considered the only competent, accredited  and qualified training provider at present in South Africa, go and visit their website at: www.africanoffroad.co.za

As a member of African Offroad Academy, Just 4x4 Adventures in Bloemfontein are a 24/7 training institution, meaning that we do training every day, except Sundays. Full training is now a multiple day process, meaning that typically you will receive the theoretical training on a Friday night. (18:00 to 22:00) Then you will do practical training for a full day (Saturday). You will receive a task where you will have to go and do some research on your specific 4x4 vehicle as well as 4x4 related subjects and then complete this task. You will then make an appointment with the 4x4 Assessor where you will hand in your written task and do your practical driving tests.

If the Assessor finds the candidate to be competent, he will submit the results to an African Offroad Academy Moderator who will moderate the process and give the results to TETA, who will issue your “DCC” certificate. So unfortunately your friend,  who are a 4x4 instructor, can’t help you to get the “DCC” without going through the process. African Offroad Academy also have the internal policy that the instructor and assessor can’t be the same person and instruction and assessment can’t take place on the same day.

Cost of training for the formal 4x4 Driver Competency Certificate is R1350-00. Costs however may vary depending on whether training is done for individuals or clubs. Club discounts do exist. “RPL” students costs depends on the level of experience and notional hours of learning they have clocked. It will however be less than formal training.

For more information or bookings, contact:

Andre Botha (4x4 Overland Tour Guide GP3431 & 4x4 Assessor)
Just 4x4 Adventures
Bloemfontein
South Africa
Approved Member of African Off-Road Academy
AFRICAN OFF-ROAD ACADEMY is an accredited training provider under TETA (TETA09-201)
to train, assess and issue an official Off-Road Driver Certificate
in relation to the unit standards US254135/254154 for 4x4 & off-road driving}
Tel: 0825766058
Fax: 0866121810
www.just4x4adventures.co.za
andre@just4x4adventures.co.za

For 4x4 Vehicles and Car Insurance also view:

Protect yourself when on driving on safari Out-In Africa

“Guide to safety and driving on safari / driving in the nature reserve”

Road Safety for foreigners travelling in South Africa

4x4 Vehicle Safety and Driving off-road

High performance shock absorber could reduce accident risk for 4×4 vehicles


The correct following distance can prevent many car crashes!

No Comments »Written on January 24th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Licensing, Q&A, Traffic Fines
Tags: ,

The Arrive Alive website received a request for guidance on what the correct following distance should be. We would like to answer with the following advice from the experts:

Following distance

There is no specific distance in metres specified in the Regulations, because the distance would vary according to the speed of the two vehicles, the load carried, road surface and other factors. Distance is therefore judged in terms of time - how long it would take the following vehicle to reach that same spot on the road that the vehicle ahead has just reached.

For the learner's licence test no specific following time is specified in the Regulations for Rules of the Road. The minimum 2-second following distance in 'normal' conditions is based on the K53 driving test requirements and some books give this as a guide in the learner's licence section. Driving experts maintain that this is to short anyway.

Here are the Regulations per the National Road Traffic Act for Rules of the Road to be tested in the learner's licence test.

308.   General duties of driver or passenger of vehicle on public road

(1)  No person driving or having a vehicle on a public road shall—

(a) cause such vehicle to travel backwards unless it can be done in safety, or cause it to run backwards for a distance or time longer than may be necessary for the safety or reasonable convenience of any occupant of that vehicle or of other traffic on such road; or

(b) follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent having regard to the speed of such other vehicle and the traffic on and the condition of the roadway, or more closely than is prescribed in these regulations;

If there is a question in the official test about a safe following distance, which requires an answer in metres, the test is out of line with the requirements of the National Road Traffic Act and the matter should be taken up with the Department of Transport.

Is the writer sure the question was in fact about a safe following distance, or about one of the other rules which do specify a distance in metres?


Other distances (e.g. no parking, no stopping, load projections, headlights, etc.)

I have summarised these at this Web page.

I hope this helps.

Gavin

--
Gavin Hoole
Cape Town
K53 Test Info
For Learner's & Driver's Licence Test Preparation

Also view:

Following Distances and Road Safety

Increase Following Distances in Rainy Weather

Communication to Holders of South African Driving Licences Abroad: All You Need to Know

No Comments »Written on January 17th, 2012 by jonckie
Categories: Licensing, Q&A
Tags: , ,

We would like to assist the many South Africans living abroad and concerned about license renewals:

1. INTRODUCTION

The scope of this document is limited to applications received from South African citizens living abroad. Regulation 109 (2) stipulates that a person who is living abroad may apply for the reissue of a driving licence card (duplicate) within the validity period of the driving licence.
Regulation 109 (4) stipulates the documents that must accompany the application.

2. WHO MAY APPLY

The holder of a South African credit card format driving licence who is currently living abroad may apply. The card can only be processed up to one (1) month prior to the expiry date of such card.

3. HOW TO APPLY

You have to forward the required documentation to a friend or relative still living in South Africa who must in turn submit the application to the driving licence testing centre (DLTC) where the original card was ordered. The nominated person must complete form DL1 (Application for driving licence) at the DLTC with his/her postal address to ensure that the notice to collect the card is delivered to the correct address.

4. WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED

• A signed checklist as per paragraph 6
• An affidavit made by the applicant stating:

- the country, city or town and residential address where he/she currently resides,
- the period of stay,
- that he/she will be unable to receive the card in person, and
- the name and identification number of the person who will submit the application and receive the card on his/her behalf

• The fee for issuing a driving licence card
• A certified copy of the driving licence card or an affidavit stating why the licence cannot be submitted
• A certified copy of the acceptable identification of the applicant and a certified copy of the identity document of the person who is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant
• A certified copy of the identification page of the passport of the applicant and the page stamped by the Department of Home Affairs when he/she left the Republic of South Africa, and the page stamped by the country in which he/she resides when he/she entered the country concerned
• A report issued less than six months before the date of application by an optometrist or ophthalmologist relating to the testing of the applicant’s eyes in terms of the standards referred to in paragraph 5

5. EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE REPORT FROM THE OPTOMETRIST OR OPHTHALMOLOGIST

The holder of the driving licence must comply with the following standards:

(a) in the case of an application for a driving licence relating to the code A1, A, B or EB,
such person has—
(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/12 (20/40) for each eye, or where the visual acuity of one eye is less than 6/12 (20/40) or where one eye of the person concerned is blind, a minimum visual acuity for the other eye of 6/9 (20/30); and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal, with or without refractive correction, in respect of each eye, or where the minimum visual field in respect of one eye is less than 70 degrees temporal, or where one eye is blind, a minimum total horizontal visual field of at least 115 degrees with or without refractive correction; or
(b) in the case of an application for a driving licence relating to the code C1, C, EC1 or EC, such person has—
(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/9 (20/30) for each eye; and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal in respect of each eye, with or without refractive correction.

6. The Checklist

[A word of appreciation to our friends from Tasima for assisting with the information]

Know your rights and responsibilities as a Learner Driver!!

1 Comment »Written on December 12th, 2011 by jonckie
Categories: Licensing, Q&A
Tags: , ,

The Arrive Alive road safety website regularly receives requests pertaining to the Rights of Learner drivers. These include where they may drive, whether they may carry passengers etc.

Example: Can i drive with my learners on the highway and must the L sign be visible?

Answer: Yes. Be sure to maintain any minimum speed requirements, as well as all other freeway rules and the requirement to have a person with you who holds a valid driving licence for that class of vehicle.

There is nothing in the legislation concerning L-Plates. They are not a requirement and are purely optional. So A5 size would be fine.

We have answered many of these also on the Car Insurance Blog and the Arrive Alive road safety website. From an Insurance perspective it is important to know that your insurer should only be expected to settle a claim if the vehicle was driven within the Rules of the Road. If the driver was not operating the vehicle within these Rules at the time, the insurers may reject the insurance claim!

So what are the Rules of the Road pertaining to Learner Drivers?

For more comprehensive info on the Learner's License view:

K53 The Learner's Licence Test -Also note the Forum


The Official K53 Learner’s and Driver’s Made Easy

THE BOOK

This best-seller continues to provide novice drivers with a thorough grounding in everything they need to know to prepare for their learner’s licence and K53 driving tests. The text has been revised and updated to take account of changes in road traffic legislation and the practical requirements for the official K53 Defensive Driving system.

This well-presented, user-friendly book combines all the elements needed to pass the written tests, yard test and road tests for motor vehicles, motor cycles and heavy motor vehicles, and is the only manual that illustrates every rule of the road.

Taken together, the text, illustrations and self-tests are designed to reinforce the learning process and make it easier to pass the learner’s or driver’s test first time

THE AUTHORS

Clive Gibson, Gavin Hoole and Bata Passchier are the team behind a series of successful learner’s and driver’s manuals.

They are supported in their efforts to promote safe and correct driving habits by the SA Institute for Advanced Drivers, the Arrive Alive road safety campaign and the Department of Justice.

Conclusion:

It is always best to contact your insurer to inform them that the vehicle will also be operated by a Learner driver. It is best to ensure that there are no hidden exclusions in your policy. Always ensure that the Learner driver is accompanied by a fully licensed driver of that same class of vehicle.

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