40 000 youth geared to get free learner licenses until 2024

Applicants must be available to take their learner's license from October 19, 2023 to February 28, 2024.

Reitumetse Mahope

October 17, 2023

Photo for illustration: an example of a driver’s licence.

The Gauteng transport department has created an opportunity for 40 000 people to earn a learner’s licence for free.

The initiative “Wrong Side of the Road” allows disadvantaged applicants to secure a learner’s licence without paying administrative fees.

Eligible licence types are codes 1, 2 and 3 and thousands of prospects will take the test from October 19 to February next year.

Township, informal settlement and hostel youths aged between 17-34 years were selected for the initiative.

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said the project targetted 40 000 youths, however, more than 130 000 applied.

It’s part of it in Gauteng, since 2017

— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) October 10, 2023

Lesufi had announced the project in August “to empower the youth of Gauteng”.

He said StatsSA reported that youth unemployment in South Africa remained alarmingly high at 46.5% in the first quarter of 2023.

Lesufi said to mark the start of October Transport Month, his government, in partnership with the leading spirits company Diageo South Africa had created the opportunity for disadvantaged youth to earn a motoring licence to bridge the unemployment gap.

“In response to pressing challenges, Diageo South Africa has joined forces with the office of the premier of Gauteng as well as the departments of roads and transport and economic development to address these issues holistically and bring about positive change.

“The exciting opportunity for young people serves a dual purpose with the first phase being obtaining a driver’s licence and then enhance employability.”

He said of the 40 000 opportunities, 10 000 would be reserved for motorbike licences to support Project Last Mile, to license, train, mentor and connect young people to job opportunities.

“Those interested will receive training and assistance, including access to motorbikes.”

Lesufi said Last Mile would give the prospects an option to rent-to-own or purchase a bike, and a contract by industry leaders.

He said prospects must take and pass a quiz on the K53 app, that included drunk driving awareness and an 80% score on the readiness test.

All entries will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and the prospects must be South African citizens and live in townships, informal settlements and hostels (TISH) in Gauteng.