The process of getting a driver’s license may take up to four years if a new proposal is given the go ahead, the Department of Transport said on Saturday.
“Right now, it is just a proposal. We will need to discuss it with the relevant stakeholders and the public before anything is approved,” said spokesperson Logan Maistry.
He said the new system was aimed at reducing carnage on the roads and would take four years.
From the age of 16, a person could apply for a learner driver’s license, which would force them to be accompanied by a fully licensed driver and stick to a maximum of 80km/h.
They would be recognised by a black ‘L’ sign with a yellow background on their back windscreen.
Learners would have to log 120 hours of driving plus twenty hours of driving at night.
In their second year, they would apply for a P1 license which allows them to drive alone, at a speed limit of 90km/h. Exceeding the speed would incur a three month suspension of their license. They would have to display a red ‘L’ with a white background.
The P2 license is granted in the third year and includes a computerised hazard perception test.
Learners would be allowed to drive up to 100km/h and be recognised by a green ‘L’ sign.
The full license is gained only in the fourth year and includes a final computerised test.
Maistry said an announcement would be made once the proposal had been approved by various parties. — Sapa