Knowing the road rules is one thing. Understanding exactly what a test question is asking should not be another hurdle.

Some learner’s licence candidates say unclear wording and confusing answer options are making it difficult to show what they know. AfriForum Youth says it has received complaints from candidates, parents and driving instructors, prompting it to request an independent language review.

What are the concerns?

The organisation has asked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to allow independent experts to examine the English and Afrikaans question bank, including the answer options.

The proposed review would check whether:

• Questions clearly convey their intended meaning.
• Afrikaans translations accurately reflect the English version.
• Answer options mean the same thing in both languages.
• Wording could reasonably lead to more than one interpretation.

AfriForum Youth says it is not asking for an easier test. It wants candidates assessed on their understanding of road rules without unnecessary language obstacles. However, the complaints do not establish that the official questions contain errors. 

Where do falling pass rates fit in?

The Road Traffic Management Corporation has reported a decline in learner’s licence pass rates from 68% to 40% after introducing computerised testing. Those figures were reported in May 2026 and should not be presented as a newly released update.

The RTMC attributes the decline to tighter fraud controls. The system selects question papers electronically at random and marks tests automatically, reducing opportunities for officials to supply answers beforehand or manipulate results. 

A lower pass rate does not, by itself, prove that questions are confusing. Equally, measures to prevent cheating do not settle whether the wording is clear.

Has a review been approved?

An independent review has been requested, but we could not confirm any public announcement that it has been approved or completed.

AfriForum Youth has offered to work under confidentiality arrangements, including allowing experts to inspect the questions under departmental supervision. Its proposal would assess wording and translation while protecting the question bank. Details of the proposal

What can candidates do meanwhile?

Continue preparing for the existing test. The review request does not mean questions have changed or requirements have been relaxed.

When studying:

• Understand the rule behind an answer, rather than memorising its position in a practice test.
• Ask for explanations when practice questions seem unclear.
• Cover all three areas: road rules, road signs and vehicle controls.

The Bottom Line

Candidates should be tested on their road knowledge through questions they can reasonably understand. The proposed review could establish whether language problems need fixing. Until then, confusion remains a concern raised by candidates, not a proven flaw in the test.