Slamming brakes on test fraud

The computerised system at Gauteng driver testing stations has radically reduced the number of people passing their learner's test.

Yesterday, Gauteng transport MEC Ismail Vadi demonstrated the new technology at Xavier testing station in Ormonde, Johannesburg.

He said it would strengthen the government's fight against corruption at testing stations.

Before the introduction of the new system at Xavier testing station, about 1400 learner's licences were issued every month. That figure has since been slashed to about 200.

Instead of receiving printed questions, applicants sit at a computer and punch in their ID number to confirm their booking.

A trial run of three questions is then done with the aid of an examiner before the applicant begins the actual test.

There is no standard questionnaire - rather the computer randomly selects from 1000 questions. The applicant is shown the results immediately after taking the test.

The new system is already being used in Durban. A total of seven different stations in Gauteng have the new technology, which costs between R900000 and R1.2-million to install.

Corruption at testing stations has plagued the Gauteng government for a long time.

In June, Vadi told the legislature that at least 28 officials at various stations had been arrested and charged for collusion and eight employees in the department had been charged with corruption and dismissed after disciplinary hearings.

Yesterday, an examiner was arrested after processing a driver's licence for an applicant whose car had rolled back twice on a steep ascent during a test.

Vadi said inspectors would make unannounced visits to the stations across the province to prevent corruption.

Vadi conceded the absence of surveillance cameras at testing sites was also a problem, but budgetary constraints prevented their purchase.

He added: "It is not always easy to pick up the bribery aspect because these bribes are not paid in broad daylight. But we can minimise that possibility through camera surveillance."