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• Local driving schools offer and teach the K53 defensive driver training system that prepares you for a driving licence test.
• There are many driving schools situated across the country and service different areas.
• As a motorist, vehicle insurance is a must-have in the event of an accident or theft.
• For more stories, visit Wheels24
The vast majority of millennials will, at some point, have gone through the motions of the system of vehicle control that prepares you to undergo the K53 driving licence test. Lifting the handbrake, executing clutch control, and looking left and right at almost every road stop undoubtedly provokes much ire.
Local driving schools across the country offer and teach the K53 defensive driver training (which is compulsory), each with its own varying rates. It is the type of driver training needed to pass a driving license test at the traffic department.
Most driving school cars are easily identifiable mainly because of the company's branding located on the side. Not everyone starts driving the moment they are able to reach the pedals; others need a bit of guidance due to anxiety or fear of being behind the wheel for whatever reason.
In the event of a crash
Vehicle accidents can happen within the blink of an eye. Some motorists have little to no patience. Because of this, they will either constantly hoot or make crude gesticulation towards the learner driver behind the wheel, putting them under even more stress than they already are. It can often lead to making mistakes or something even worse.
In the unfortunate event that an accident happens to someone in a driving school vehicle, what happens next? Who then has to foot the repair bill? Thankfully the cars are covered by insurance, protecting the driver in the event of an accident. As a motorist (especially in South Africa), comprehensive car insurance is a must-have.
READ: OPINION | Hiring a professional driving instructor is best, but it lacks one advantage
Some people throw caution to the wind by opting not to go for insurance because they drive well and haven't been in an accident before. The truth is, no matter how cautious you are on the road, you cannot control the actions of other drivers, i.e. jumping a red light or reckless overtaking.
Have you, or know of someone, that has been involved in a collision with a driving school vehicle and the repercussions (if any) that followed? Email us, or use the comment section below.
What the experts say
He and She Driver Training Centre says that should one of their clients/learners be involved in an accident, He and She is comprehensively insured, and they carry the expenses.
A&T Driving School says the school or instructor can in no way hold the client liable or responsible for any accident or damage to an A&T vehicle that may occur during a lesson or test.
Arrive Alive says: "Roughly 65% of South African motorists are not insured. The implications of this are that you alone are responsible for covering the costs of repairing your car or even buying a new one if it is seriously damaged.
"You will also bear the legal costs of trying to claim damages from another uninsured driver without the assistance of an insurer."
Livingstone Insurance Group says: "Some of the standard driving school insurance cover includes: Accidental damage to own vehicle, accidental death cover for students/learners and accidental & permanent disability cover for instructors."
Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors advises: "You must make sure that you select a driving school that:
a) is a licensed and registered business
b) only employs driving instructors who are registered as instructors with the appropriate authorities and
c) use motor vehicles that are covered by fully comprehensive insurance. The driving school must carry the risk of business and, as such, cannot be passed on to the student. This includes payments for excess or shortfalls in cover."
