50% of driving licenses in South Africa obtained fraudulently, suggests driving school

It is estimated that around 50% of driving licenses in South Africa are obtained through fraudulent means – suggesting that one in every two drivers may not have legitimately passed a driving test.

Herbert clarifies that this doesn't always mean the official documentation itself is falsified; rather, the process by which the license was issued is often compromised.

He notes that there is significant room for improvement in how driving instructors assess learner drivers.

According to Herbert, many driving schools focus on teaching students how to pass the test, rather than how to drive competently and safely in real-world conditions.

He also points out that driving lessons and tests typically exclude scenarios such as highway driving, where speed limits are higher, or driving at night – despite these being common and critical aspects of everyday driving.

Herbert emphasises the need for a more thorough and realistic evaluation of drivers' abilities, including their capacity to navigate traffic under normal road conditions.

He believes that much more can be done to ensure drivers are prepared for the challenges of South African roads.