Before anyone can get out on the road and start driving, they have to learn the basics of how to drive a car. This need creates a business opportunity for you to open a driving school in South Africa. Before you can open your driving school, you need to learn about the requirements needed to start a driving school.
Driving Instructor Certificate
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. Any person who wants to be a driving instructor applies at their local testing centre. Once they pass these tests they can then apply for a driving instructor’s certificate.
How to apply for a driving instructor certificate
Here’s what you need to do before you make an appointment: Go to your nearest driving licence centre with your ID book, two identical black and white photographs and a valid driver’s licence. together with application fee of R165. 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.
When you receive your certificate, you can register with the Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors (SAIDI) or contact SAIDI at 012 998 3910.
Driving School laws
The driving school must conduct lessons in motor vehicles with dual controls. A brake (on the passenger/instructor side of the car) is the minimum and is necessary when an instructor is faced with an emergency the instructor will be able to control the vehicle. The motor vehicle must bear the name of the driving school or instructor for identification purposes. This will also warn the public that the vehicle is possibly being driven by a learner driver.