How to Register as a Driving Instructor in Western Cape:

Before paying money to someone claiming to be a driving instructor, members of the public are advised to check to see if they have a valid instructor’s certificate!

N.B.

If your driving instructor is busy renewing his or her instructor’s certificate, provided they applied prior to the expiry date, according to Regulation 250 from the Road Traffic Act 1989 (ACT NO. 29 OF 1989) paragraph (16) it will still be valid. See:

driving-instructors-cert

The current process to be followed is as follows (sections 114A to 114Q  that deals with the registration of instructors are not yet in force, therefore regulation 250 of the Road Traffic Act of 1989 still applies):

  1. Apply to the Province where he or she intends to act as an Instructor – through a DLTC of that Province;
  2. Application shall be made in respect of one or more of the classes of motor vehicles – for learner’s and driving licences, or  only learner’s licences, or only driving licences;
  3. Application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee – application and examination for Instructor’s certificate is R165; and R33 for the issue of Instructor’s certificate;
  4. The DLTC concerned shall submit the application to the SAPS for a report as to whether any conviction has been recorded against the applicant;
  5. Applicant has to be medically examined at applicant’s cost;
  6. The application form, medical report and the Police clearance will be submitted to the Province;
  7. If all the relevant reports are in order, authority will be granted to the DLTC to submit the applicant to the necessary theoretical and practical tests;
  8. If the applicant is successful in both tests the applicant will be issued with an Instructor’s certificate that will be valid for a period of 12 months.

Driving school instructors have the important task of training vehicle road users. This is why all instructors must be registered with the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works.

It’s unlawful to train road users without an instructor’s certificate.  While there are many instructors operating without a certificate, you can ask to see their certificate before you start lessons. It is actually fraud.

Definition of fraud:

Fraud is defined in South African law as “the unlawful and intentional making of a misrepresentation which causes actual and or potential prejudice to another”. Corruption is defined as “the misuse of entrusted power for private gain”.

See:   http://www.economic.gov.za/component/content/article/49-about-the-edd/212-anti-fraud-and-corruption

An instructors’ certificate will specify the grades or classes that they’re qualified to provide.

What are the grade types?

You will be graded as:

  • Grade A: Drivers can teach any driving code and must be in possession of both code EC and A driving licences.
  • Grade B: Drivers can teach codes B, C1, C, EB, EC1 and EC. He /she must be in possession of a code EC driving licence.
  • Grade C: Drivers can teach codes A1, A and B, and should have a code EB and A driving licence.
  • Grade D: Drivers can teach code B and should have a code B or code EB driving licence.
  • Grade L: This grade or class permits learner’s licence training.

How to apply

By law, all instructors should obtain an instructor’s certificate, obtain a medical certificate, have their fingerprints cleared and pass an instructor’s test.

Here’s what you need to do before you make an appointment:

  1. Take two identical black and white photographs, which should be:
  • 45mm x 35mm, and
  • printed on quality paper and captured by a professional photographer.
  1. Have the required application fee of R165.
  2. Go to your nearest driving licence centre with your ID book and a valid driver’s licence.

At the driving licencing testing centre you should:

  1. Complete an application form R1
  2. Undergo a medical check using the medical certificate form.
  3. Have your fingerprints taken and wait for the results.
  4. Receive a date for your theoretical and driving test, to test your driving abilities.

If you pass, your application will be sent to a member of the executive committee (MEC) of transport for approval. When your application is approved, you must pay R33 to receive your certificate.  The application must be referred to the Department before the test is done.

All forms are available at the driving licenc testing centre and this process can take 6 – 8 weeks.

Remember

When you receive your certificate, you can register with the Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI) or contact SAIDI at 082 683 9292 or at info@saidinational.org . 

For membership requirements see “Join Us” on  www.saidinational.org

You can also contact the Transport Administration and Licensing Helpdesk at 021 483 2080 / 2078 / 2469 or follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on twitter: @WCGovTPW.

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