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Since the introduction of the revised road traffic sign system in 1993, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has conducted extensive research and investigations in order to prepare a new version of the Theory Test for Learner's Licences. This new version was released at the HSRC yesterday (1 December 1998). "The transitional period during which new tests will be phased in and old ones be phased out will have to be carefully managed through information dissemination to all the role players, as well as through timeous communication with all those involved. The HSRC will also rely heavily on all role players to ensure a smooth transition from the current to the new system", HSRC project manager Steve Venter said. The Theory Test for Learner's Licences determines the theoretical knowledge of potential drivers with regard to road traffic signs, rules of the road and the controls of motor vehicles. Its ultimate objective is to ensure that the drivers on our roads are knowledgeable, thus promoting a safer road environment for all. The new test boasts a number of unique features, such as the following: The 1993 road traffic sign system, which introduced a number of new signs, certain colour changes to signs, a comprehensive temporary sign system and the replacement of text with symbols on many signs, has now been included in the test. Each question in the test will have one correct and two incorrect answers (compared to four incorrect answers in the previous version). The test will now cater specifically for the three different codes of learner's licences, namely code 1 (motorcycles), code 2 (light motor vehicles) and code 3 (heavy motor vehicles). The test is available in Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Xhosa and Zulu to cater for the major languages used in the different provinces.
The test material, which was compiled on the basis of prescriptions in the Road Traffic Act (Act 29 of 1989), comprises the following: A revised road traffic signs booklet, published by the Department of Transport, contains the majority of signs used in the tests. This booklet is available from the Department, while various manuals and other training material on the subject are available from news agencies and other book outlets.
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