Question:
Is it allowed for a Learner Driver to drive alone? What is the sanction if a Traffic Officer stops a person driving alone with a learner license?
Answer:
Firstly, a person who holds a learner’s licence should never be driving a vehicle unless they are under the instruction of a person who holds a valid driving licence for that particular class of vehicle, or preferably, a qualified driving instructor.
A person who holds a learner’s licence and drives unaccompanied is subject to a fine of R1250 (and 4 demerit points) under AARTO, however there is a twist to this story. Under the current and draft regulations, it is stated that a learner driver is subject to a fine of three times that which is stated. Therefore, in this particular case it would be interesting to see how this provision gets applied and it is more than possible that they will be fined R3750 for this offence.