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Press Release: Driver Accreditation |
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Written by Johann Marais
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Monday, 24 April 2006 |
 Some articles and news items which followed these in recent times under the "4x4 Drivers requiring licenses" is somewhat incorrect. Quite simply the route that the National Off Road Workgroup is suggesting in conjunction with DEAT is the competency route which has its roots in the Skills Developement Act. In a nutshell for a driver to drive in an area deemed to be sensitive( as identified by DEAT) he will have to show a certificate of competency.This means that the average driver will not be denied access to many areas if he does not hold such a certificate.The training route will be via the transport SETA and the Motor Industry SETA. The industries in conjunction with the SETA's will finalise the curriculum, unit standards and the training material as well as the accreditation of instructors and training facilities. The system works very well in many countries where it is used and the South African model will most probably be much like the Australian example.The act and SETA\'s have been in existence for some time now and cover all skills and areas.
In fact even before the formation of the NOW the Motor Industry began the process with other bodies in response to the demand from para statal and other organisations whose business practices call for training by accredited service providers. There is currently an SME (Subject Matter Expert ) work group that liases with the SETA\'s in this regard and it is anticipated that most of the work will be completed by year end.
The act also allows for assessment of prior training (RPL- Recognition of Prior Learning) which will allow enthusiasts who have previously undergone courses to be assessed against the desired outcome. We have on the NOW committee Glyn Demmer who represents NAAMSA and serve on the Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs / Driver Training Portfolio. The SETA SME workgroup has representation from the motor industry, private bodies, the AAWDCSA, the Four Wheel DriveClub of SA and operates in an open transparent fashion. NOW recently circulated a document explaining the Unit Standard Process to clubs, trail owners , instructors and 4x4 schools.
Johann Marais
Convener National Off Road Work Group
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