The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says fraudulent learner licence passes have declined significantly since the introduction of computerised testing systems at licencing centres across South Africa.
The system was introduced in 2012 to improve the integrity of the learner licence testing process and curb corruption at testing centres.
According to the corporation, the technology has helped close loopholes that previously allowed some officials to manipulate the testing process.
“This was possible by randomly selecting question papers electronically, preventing officials from knowing which test would be used beforehand,” the RTMC said.
Before the introduction of the computerised system, some officials at testing centres allegedly identified question papers in advance and illegally provided learners with answers before the test, enabling unqualified applicants to pass.
The RTMC said the impact of the technology is evident in the learner licence pass rate, which dropped from 68% to 40% after the system was implemented.
“The lower pass rate indicates that fewer incompetent drivers are obtaining learner licences, a development the corporation believes will contribute to improved road safety and a reduction in road accidents,” the corporation said.
While welcoming the progress made through the computerised system, the RTMC warned that some officials are allegedly attempting to develop new methods to assist learners unlawfully.
“Some arrests have been made in this regard recently, and the process of identifying beneficiaries is underway,” the corporation added.
