The promise of a “guaranteed pass” continues to lure some aspiring motorists into using illegal shortcuts to get their learner’s and driver’s licences, raising fresh safety concerns on Gauteng’s roads.
One woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she paid R1800 to a driving school for lessons and assistance to pass her learner’s licence. “I was told I would get a guaranteed pass,” she said.
Her account points to irregular help at a local testing centre. She said she initially failed the required eye test. As she walked out, a man approached her outside the gate and asked how it went. After hearing she had failed, he told her to withdraw R300 in cash.
According to the woman, she handed over the money, and the man contacted an official inside. She was allowed back in immediately for a second test, which she passed.
The interference continued on the day of her written computer test. “We were separated,” she said, explaining that she was told to stop before finishing the test. “I was instructed not to submit my answers after completing the test.”
She said an official then came to her desk, changed her wrong answers, and submitted the test for her. Her learner’s licence was issued shortly after.
Widespread talk of corruption often fuels this behaviour. Another prospective driver, who also asked not to be named, said he has seen advertisements for “guaranteed passes” and believes the system is compromised.
“It is because officers want to be bribed,” he claimed, though he admitted he has never personally seen an officer ask for or take money.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla warned that test anxiety and illegal syndicates push motorists to break the law.
“An unqualified driver poses a severe risk to every road user,” Fihla said. He warned that buying a licence can lead to arrest, a criminal record, and the cancellation of the document.
“Failing a driving test is a minor setback; driving illegally without basic skills is a life-threatening decision,” Fihla said.
