The South African National Road Traffic Act states that anyone who wants to start a driving school or become a driving instructor must meet certain basic requirements.

The South African National Road Traffic Act states that anyone who wants to start a driving school or become a driving instructor must meet certain basic requirements.

All vehicles must have dual control. The passenger's and the driver's foot brakes must be in peak condition. Brakes on the passenger side is vital because it gives the instructor control of the car in cases of emergency.

Vehicles must display the name of the driving school or instructor. This will warn other road users that the vehicle might be driven by a learner driver and that they need to be cautious.

Operators need an instructor's certificate or driving school certificate, which is obtainable from the Registering Authority of Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni and Gauteng. Apply for the certificate within 21 days of complying with the regulations.

The National Road Traffic Act and Regulations (Act 93 of 1966) stipulate that people from Gauteng comply with the following to qualify as an instructor or start a driving school. People outside Gauteng must consult their local traffic department.

l Be registered in terms of Section 28B of the act;

l Pass the prescribed driving instructor's examination;

l Be a person of good character;

l Be mentally and physically fit;

l Be medically fit;

l Be registered as an instructor in respect of a motor vehicle that you are licensed to drive. For a driving school to teach other codes in addition to the one you are licensed with, hire someone licensed with those codes who also meets the same criteria;

l Registration can be terminated if one is found guilty of misconduct in exercising powers or if one did not attend a refresher course.