Hi 702
I am writing to you out of pure frustration.
I am a female from Johannesburg and have always believed that I would always be a law-abiding citizen.
I currently work for an advertising agency and in my position would need to be able to get around to clients, shoots, recordings etc.

On Friday 06 Oct I will be attempting for the third time to get my drivers license. This time at the Langlaagte testing station. This morning I got a call from my driving school to inform me that I will need to have R1500 cash with me on Friday to 'secure' my pass. Now, I’ve been practicing my driving with driving schools for about a year and a half now and I believe that I am ready. More than being ready, I’m desperate to get this license - legally. Over the months I’ve been approached by friends and acquaintances to just buy the damn license, but time and time again I’ve refused.

My skin was crawling this morning after I spoke to the representative from my driving school who was adamant that no matter what I would not pass my test if I don't have the money. During this 30 minute conversation, the process was explained to me as I am about to tell you: I have to arrive at least 45 minutes before test with my instructor who will then speak to the examiner and tell them whether or not I have the money, once this is settled I start my test. Now there are two options.
1. Pay R1500 and be guaranteed a pass only if I make very small mistakes once outside the yard. Nothing dangerous or obvious.
2. Pay R3500 and I only have to do the yard test, without making mistakes, and there'll be no need for me to do the road test. If I still fail, they don't give me my money back.

My problem is that I need to get my drivers license, but I can't live without my R1500 nor can I live with the knowledge that I bribed someone to get what should rightfully have with all the hard work I’ve put into my practice. I know it happens all the time and by refusing to pay the money, I won’t be changing the world because there are hundreds if not thousands of people who will pay.

A question that FNB asked South Africans, to which I answered yes to, is "Do you believe in the value of values?" Why is it so difficult for people to just do the right thing. This is worse than daylight robbery.

Some years back, not sure how many, all testing stations were shut down in Gauteng for about 5 months because of this corruption and bribery. This comment may not cause this to happen again while these examiners are being investigated, and it is sad. It is sad that in order for me to abide by the law by driving with a valid drivers license I would have to partake in bribery. It is sad that these examiners don't seem to see the wrong and greed in their actions. It is sad that this is the society we live in.

Now I need to really think about this and I have until Thursday night to decide whether or not I’m going to pay this money and get on with my life or if I am going to go in there without my money and feel cheated and wronged because I didn't pay and therefore failed because of someone's greed. So, to end this long letter, I say again, I about to be ripped off.

I wonder how many people have been in similar situations

[24 Nov 2006 13:57]

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