Driving a car is so much fun but it’s actually not as easy as it looks. It is a very delicate task that involves a high degree of focus, carefulness, and confidence. People get to learn how to drive a car in different ways – some are taught by their parents, friends, spouses, etc, however, the best approach to learning how to drive a car is by going to a driving school. If you look closely at many accidents that occur around us today, it would have been prevented if only one or both parties involved had applied the necessary skills needed in driving and that is why the driving schools are there to help enlighten us about different road signs, safety techniques, traffic laws, among other things.
Before any car owner should think of driving his/her vehicle on a busy road in a populated city like Durban, it is advised that you seek driving lessons from one of the best driving schools in Durban to get all the necessary training needed to get behind the wheels of a vehicle. This article takes you through the importance of driving school and the list of best driving schools in Durban.
What Are Driving Schools?
A driving school is a government-approved institution with qualified instructors designed to teach and impact in individuals the knowledge of how to drive safely, obey traffic rules, maintain their vehicles, conduct first aid in an accident scene, etc. These institutions are of great importance in any country because they help to ensure the country has a minimal rate of road accidents and a high rate of professionally qualified drivers and road users.
Here’s Why You Should Enroll In A Driving School
The importance of enrolling in a driving school cannot be over-emphasized. Listed below are several reasons why it is important to enroll for your driving lessons in a driving school – as opposed to learning through informal means.
- Builds Driver’s Confidence: Taking driving lessons helps a learner build his/her confidence in driving. As you take the lessons, you become more relaxed and gradually build your confidence. This is an attribute every driver needs, especially when there is panic on the road while driving (that could be caused by a number of factors, including accidents, failed brakes, busted tires, etc), so you will be confident enough to get through it. In fact, a confident driver will transmit the same confidence to his/her passengers.
- Traffic Rules: One basic lesson that is taught in a driving school is the importance of traffic rules such as obeying the traffic lights, rights of the pedestrians, turning or changing lanes, driving on a highway, etc. A driver with mastery of the traffic regulations that govern his/her area will seldom get into trouble – be it accidents or issues with law enforcement officers.
- Vehicle Maintenance: The majority of the new car owners are novices when it comes to maintaining their vehicle but this vital lesson is often taught in a decent driving school. Prospective drivers are not only taught the importance of maintaining their vehicles but are also trained on how to go about it. Regular observations include ensuring there is water in the vehicle’s radiator, checking the oil, listening for strange sounds from the car’s engine to know when there is a problem, etc.
- Ensures Minimal Degree of Accident Occurrence: It’s impossible to stop accidents from happening all over the world. However, taking driving lessons helps to bring the rate of accident occurrence to a very minimal level because drivers are taught safety and defensive driving to prepare them to handle high-risk situations.
- Cognizance: This is a vital skill that is obtained during the course of driving lessons. It helps drivers to be able to recognize situations that are likely going to lead to accidents and helps them to know exactly what to do to avert such incidents from happening.
- Produces Professional Drivers: Imagine a city where the majority of its motorists are well trained from a professional driving school? For sure, the roads will be safer for all road users.
The Top Driving Schools in Durban
Durban is the third-most populous city in South Africa. It is said to be the busiest port in the country. The country has lots of driving schools that can help train individuals to become professional drivers. Here is a list of the best driving schools in Durban.
1. VIP Driving School
VIP Driving School is one of the oldest driving schools in Durba. It was established in 1984 and has vast experience and knowledge in the automobile industry. They have well-trained and qualified staff who are dedicated to offering professional training to the public.
- Contact Address: Mountbatten Drive, Reservoir Hills, Durban – 4090
- Phone Number: 031 262 0141; 084 756 9323
- Business Hours: Mondays to Fridays – 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM; Saturdays – 06:00 AM to 03:30 PM. The school is closed on Sundays.
- 12 hours of manual lessons – R1,700
- 12 hours of auto lessons – R1,950
2. On-Track Driving School
This driving school is recognized as one of the most popular driving schools in Durban, especially for beginners. This is because they focus on the student’s ability to understand and learn. They also cater to the disabled and ensure that they are not left out, The school achieves this by creating a special program for them.
- Contact Address: Steve Biko Rd, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, Durban, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 31 502 750; 083 475 1399
- Business Hours: Mondays to Fridays – 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM; Saturdays – 06:00 AM to 04:30 PM; Sundays – 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM
3. Omars Driving School
Omars Driving School is rated as ‘Durban’s Premier Driver Training Specialists.’ They ensure the provision of world-class driver’s training lessons. The services provided by these specialists include learners’ license tuition, K53 drivers training, Driver training services.
- Contact Address: 79 Sugarfarm Trail, Unit 6, Sun Valley Mews, Umhlanga, Durban North, Durban – 4051, South Africa
- Phone Number: 084 049 7201; 066 267 8177
- Business Hours: Mondays to Thursdays – 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM; Fridays – 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM; Saturdays – 06:00 AM to 03:00 PM. The school is closed on Sundays.
4. Dees Driver Training Center
Dees Driver Training Centre is one of the top driving schools in Durban, South Africa. The training center caters to private individuals, government organizations, companies, and industry personnel, including technocrats. They train people for all the learners’ licenses available in the South African Licensing Department. Dees Driver Training Center is an elite driving school and the management, instructors, as well as staff members, work to maintain the high standards they have come to be associated with.
- Contact Address: 62 Botanic Gardens Rd, Musgrave, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 31 202 0202
- Business Hours: Mondays to Fridays – 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
5. Oceans Driving School
This driving school has qualified and professional instructors who give driving lessons. Their focus is more centered on helping Muslim ladies who are interested in driving to get their licenses.
- Contact Address: North Coast Road Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 76 512 4217
- Business Hours: Mondays to Fridays – 07:30 AM to 04:30 PM; Saturdays – 07:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The school is closed on Sundays.
6. Richie Rich Driving School
This is one of the professional driving schools located in Durban. It focuses more on learner’s license and driver’s license for Code 8 and Code 10.
- Contact Address: No. 19 Paruks Drive, Durban North, Durban – 4051.
- Business Hours: Mondays to Saturdays – 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM. The school is closed on Sundays.
7. Spot-On Driving School
- Contact Address: 49 Cartmel Road, Clare Estate, 4091 Durban, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 82 445 9680
- Business Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The school is closed on Sundays.
8. South Africa Driver Training Center
This driving school offers driving lessons for all codes of learner’s license and driver’s license.
- Contact Address: 41 Charlotte Maxeke St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 83 727 0672
9. Durban Driving Academy
- Contact Address: Flat 17 Rouken Glen, 381 Musgrave Rd, Berea, KwaZulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
- Phone Number: 031 208 4122
10. Drive Rite School of Motoring
- Contact Address: Round the Green Street, Sunningdale, Durban – 4051
- Phone Number: 083 439 1047
Cost of Enrolling in a Driving School
The price you pay for driving school training depends mainly on how many lessons you desire to take, the area you are located in, and more importantly, the license you want to get. Driving lessons cost between R130 and R200 – although most driving schools do come up with other payments like the per-hour billing to make it easier and convenient for various people, depending on what you can afford and make time for.
The average cost of registering with a driving school in South Africa ranges between R180 and R240 per hour on light vehicles. However, it should be noted that this price is not fixed and may vary between cities and likewise traveling distance. For an advanced driving course in South Africa, the price is given according to the brand of the car. For example, the BMW charges R2,950, Mercedes-Benz – R3,970, and Volkswagen – R2,750. The South African Ford driving skills for life (DSFL) class is free.
Vehicle Types And Their Different License Codes In Durban
A driving license is the certificate/document issued after one must have passed his/her driving test from a driving school. This document is a legal authorization permitting the holder to drive and operate one or more types of vehicles and also serves as proof to show that you can operate a vehicle with enough proficiency. The license comes with codes that indicate the type of vehicle that should be driven with that license.
In Durban, South Africa, the driving schools have different driver license code which is used to identify a particular vehicle type. These codes permit the driver to operate a specific vehicle type. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of these codes and the different types of vehicles they are used for:
A – Motorcycles
This is divided into two categories:
- A – Motorcycles with an engine capacity greater than 125 cubic centimeters
- A1 – Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cubic centimeters or less
B – Light Motor Vehicles
This has four codes:
- Ba – Vehicles (except motorcycles) with a tare weight of 3,500 kilograms or less and minibusses, buses with Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3,500kg or less. A trailer with a GVM of 750kg or less may be attached.
- Bb – Special and service vehicles such as ambulances with a tare weight of 3,500 kilograms or less. A trailer with a GVM of 750 kilograms or less may be attached.
- B (5) – This only authorizes the operation of tractors.
- B (7) – This only authorizes the operation of mobile machinery such as forklifts, earthmoving machines, etc.
C – Heavy Motor Vehicles
- CA – Buses and goods vehicles with a GVM greater than 16,000kg. A trailer with a GVM of 750kg or less may be attached.
- C1 – Vehicles with tare weight between 3,500kg and 16,000kg such as minibusses, buses, and goods vehicles with or without a trailer of up to 750kg.
D – Combinations of Articulated Vehicles (EB, EC, EC1)
- EB – Light articulated vehicles of 3,500kg or less and vehicles allowed by code B but with a trailer with a GVM greater than 750kg.
- EC – Articulated vehicles with Gross Combined Mass (GCM) between 3,500kg and 16,000kg
- EC1 – Rigid vehicles with GCM between 3,500 kg and 16,000kg including vehicles allowed by code C1.
- Code 14 – This is a special license that authorizes the driving of buses over 16,000kg and also allows you to drive Code 8, Code 10, and EB vehicles.
Note that before any driving school will issue you a learner’s license, you must have to pass a driving test and also an eyesight test.
Best Car Recommendation For Driving School
There is no best car for a driving school, in the end, the decision on the car to buy is ultimately yours to make. It all has to do with choice and preference but most importantly go for a car that is safe and also has a practical medium for one to learn. When trying to get a car to use for driving lessons, there are certain features to look out for and consider before going ahead to purchase the vehicle. They are:
- Price: When going for a vehicle to use in a driving school, it is best to go for a vehicle that is quite affordable and not the overly expensive ones.
- Cost of Maintenance: Another important factor to consider is the cost of maintaining the vehicle. A vehicle that is expensive to maintain is bad for a driving school because the chances are high that in the process of tutoring a learner, there is bound to be some level of damage done to the vehicle.
- Safety Ratings: Go for a car with a high amount of safety rating. The last thing you want to do is damage your car or injure yourself.
- Gas Mileage: This is the number of miles that a vehicle can travel using a certain amount of fuel.
- Vehicle Life Span: This is to know the number of years the vehicle can last for.
