There are currently 32 driver testing centres in KwaZulu-Natal at which
candidates may write learners licence tests. Due to apartheid planning, most of
these centres are located in developed urban areas. Candidates from rural areas
have to travel long distances in order to access learner driver centres.
The learner licence mobile units are able to offer learners licence tests in the
deepest of rural areas. When we plan the deployment of the mobile units we will
ensure that the areas furthest away from existing learners licence centres are
prioritized.
When candidates apply for learners licence tests they often have to wait for
long periods. When fully deployed, these mobile units allow us the opportunity
to test a further 3000 learner driver licence candidates each month in
KwaZulu-Natal. Testing capacity will be increased with the introduction of
additional mobile units.
One of our plans is to arrange with the Department of Education and school
principals to allow our mobile units to visit schools in rural areas.
Matriculants can each obtain driving licences which could make them more
marketable in the employment stream.
These mobile units each have:
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A registration desk fitted with equipment such as a camera to scan the eye,
fingerprint reader, digital signature pad, digital ID photographic camera and a
high spec computer. This technology at the registration desk not only registers
and books in candidates, but also importantly provides a basis to eliminate
corruption.
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13 cubicles fitted with touch screen computers that run the computerized
learners licence system.
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Learners answer questions by simply touching the screen. Whether or not a
candidate has used a computer before, he/she will find the learners test easy to
answer – in fact we think that it’s actually easier to answer than the current
written test. An audio facility is available to those who did not have the
opportunity to go to school.
By completing the test using the computer, there is no need for an examiner to
mark the test. The computer automatically marks the test and immediately informs
the candidate whether or not he/she has passed or failed. There is no room for a
crooked examiner to fail someone who should have passed, or to pass someone who
should have failed in order to solicit a bribe. There is also no room for
examiner error. Further, there is also no way for a candidate to get a learners
licence without completing all questions.
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KZN DoT CEO Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa (left) and MEC Mr B.H. Cele taking the learners
licence test in the new mobile learners licence unit |
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The test questions and answers are randomly generated. The randomization of
questions and answers ensures that candidates cannot learn for their test
"parrot fashion". Candidates will have to learn the rules, signs and controls to
pass this test.
The computer system maintains a record of all questions answered and whether or
not a candidate has passed or failed, so it will be very easy to verify the
validity of learners licences carried by KwaZulu-Natal drivers.
Before a candidate writes a test, his/her iris will be scanned at the same time
that the candidate’s identity is verified through his/her identity document and
photograph is taken electronically, all in the mobile unit. For additional
security, the candidate’s signature and fingerprints are also captured
electronically. Before the candidate begins the test, the computer will verify
that the candidate that registered is the one starting the test – not someone
else. If someone else attempts to write the test, the computer will deny him/her
access. There is thus no way for an examiner to complete a test for a candidate.
Our new learners and driving licence systems ensure that it’s impossible:
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To be passed if you should have failed.
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To be failed if you should have passed.
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For someone else to complete a test for you.
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To be issued with a learners or driving licence card without passing a test.
By ensuring that people issued with learners licences and driving licences
actually do the test and pass, we are ensuring that they actually know the rules
of the road, road signs and controls of their vehicles. This should ensure that
we have safer drivers on our roads, which is ultimately exactly what we want to
achieve.
Kuphelile, Finito, No More!
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