The South African Driving School Operators Association (SADSOA) continues to champion safer roads and standardized training for driving instructors across the country. Recently, our association has been actively engaging with the National Department of Transport (NDOT) and mobilizing our members to ensure the driving school industry is properly regulated and recognized. Below, we highlight two key events that shows our commitment to improving road safety and professionalizing the driving school sector.
Engaging with the Department of Transport
SADSOA recently held a successful virtual meeting at the Mahikeng Conference with the National Department of Transport, represented by Mr. Modisane, to discuss the status of the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill and the Driving Instructor Curriculum. Key updates include:
- National Road Traffic Amendment Bill: On December 2, 2024, the President signed this bill, which includes regulations for driving schools. We are now awaiting the Minister of Transport to gazette the enforcement date, which will formalize requirements such as registered training facilities, roadworthy vehicles, and tax clearance certificates. SADSOA encourages all members to prepare by ensuring compliance with these regulations, including proper facility layouts as per the K53 manuals. Mr. Modisane has offered support to members needing guidance on setting up compliant training facilities.
- Driving Instructor Curriculum Extension: The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has extended the Driving Instructor Occupational Qualification (SAQA ID: 104883) for an additional two years, now set to expire in December 2027. This gives our members more time to align with the curriculum, which includes Knowledge Modules (e.g., road laws, vehicle control systems) and Practical and Work Experience Modules to ensure high standards of driver training.
During the meeting, SADSOA raised concerns about inconsistent provincial engagement. Some provinces have restricted access to national representatives, hindering consultation. We urged the NDOT to ensure robust communication with all provinces to prevent such barriers. Mr. Modisane emphasized that members can escalate issues to the Minister’s office if provincial MECs fail to comply with regulations, ensuring accountability and support for our members.
Marching for Accountability in Mafikeng
In a remarkable show of solidarity, more than 100 driving school proprietors, members of SADSOA, gathered outside the Head of Department's office in Mafikeng to demand transparency and accountability. The march was prompted by the HOD sending a junior representative with no decision-making authority to a critical government meeting on driving school regulations. This representative’s dismissive attitude further frustrated attendees, highlighting a lack of seriousness from some provincial authorities.
SADSOA stands firm in its demand for transparent and inclusive engagement with government officials. The march sent a clear message: we will not tolerate being sidelined. Our association is committed to ensuring that the voices of driving school owners are heard and that regulations are implemented fairly across all provinces, including all provinces where challenges with provincial cooperation have been noted.
Why This Matters
The driving school industry is a cornerstone of road safety in South Africa. Poor driver training contributes significantly to reckless driving and road accidents. The new regulations and curriculum aim to address this by:
- Standardizing Training: Driving schools must meet strict criteria, including registered facilities, roadworthy vehicles marked with an “L,” and qualified instructors.
- Enhancing Professionalism: The Driving Instructor Curriculum ensures instructors are trained to deliver consistent, high-quality education, fostering safer road users.
- Government Oversight: With municipal approval and national standards, unofficial “under the tree” driving schools will be phased out, ensuring all training meets legal requirements.
These changes align with the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020), which emphasized safer road users through skilled and cautious drivers. A regulated driving school industry not only improves road safety but also opens employment opportunities by making driver’s licenses more accessible to job seekers in both rural and urban areas.
Call to Action
SADSOA urges all members to prepare for the upcoming regulations by reviewing the requirements outlined in the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill (e.g., Regulation 114H and 114I) and ensuring compliance. Additionally, the Driving Instructor Curriculum details are available at SAQA’s qualification page.
We also call on our members to remain vigilant and report any provincial non-compliance to the National Minister’s office. SADSOA is committed to working with the NDOT to ensure fair implementation and robust engagement with all stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
SADSOA will continue to advocate for a regulated, professional, and respected driving school industry. We are planning further engagements with the NDOT and provincial authorities to ensure our members are well-informed and supported during this transition. Stay tuned for updates on the gazetting of the regulations and additional resources to help your driving school thrive.
Together, we can create safer roads and a brighter future for South Africa’s driving school industry.
Contact Us
To learn more or to join us, please get in touch
