University of Johannesburg (UJ) student David Mtsweni has founded an easy-to-use web based platform that helps first time drivers pass their learner’s test.
Mtsweni, a final year student in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in collaboration with the University’s Community Engagement (CE) Unit hosted an insightful session teaching the unit’s 100 student volunteers how to prep for their tests and sharing useful information for safe usage of the country’s roads.
The programme is an interactive tool that offers practice tests, visual aids, and explanatory videos covering every section of the learner’s license test. The platform also features progress tracking, allowing students to monitor their improvement. Mtsweni stressed that the platform was designed to make the learning experience as intuitive and engaging as possible, especially for those who may be intimidated by traditional driving schools.
The 32-year-old student that hails from Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga, shared that he created the platform because he felt motivated by the concerning road fatality statistics of the country.
“South Africa has troubling road fatality statistics which are the highest in the world. This is what motivated me to create Simplify Drive. It’s important that all road users, in our case drivers have proper driver education and are warned about the dangers of illegal licensing practices. The session we held with CE was the opportunity to do this work,” he said.
Mtsweni created a comfortable and engaging environment by inviting students to ask questions, participate in discussions, and interact throughout the session. The session focused on preparing the students for the learners’ driving license test, a theory-based exam that you have to take before taking the actual practical driving test.
He guided students through key components of the test, including road markings, signs, and test structure. He emphasised understanding over memorisation. In addition, he focused on the different groups of road signs, explaining how to identify them based on their colours and shapes, making the students notice how command signs are blue and circular, prohibition signs have a red outline, and temporary signs are yellow and covered other road signs. His practical tips helped students better understand and remember these signs.
Students responded with great interest. Many asked questions, participated in the discussion, and showed a clear eagerness to learn. One such volunteer, Tlotliso Motsoeneng, first year Bachelor of Science in Complementary Medicine student shared that the partnership between CE and Simplify Drive helped her prepare adequately for the test.
“Attending the training was helpful because they taught me the different elements and how to remember them. I attended the training for one week and if CE didn’t have a partnership with Simply Drive I don’t think would’ve passed the test!” she said.
Motsoeneng added that the convenience of being able to catch up, was also a bonus for her; “I also loved the way the platform works. If for whatever reason I happened to miss the training sessions, the platform allows you to catch up as sessions are also recorded. The recordings are easy to find on the platform and most importantly, they’re easy to understand,” he said.
Tseleng Modjadji, CE specialist shared that this partnership was a way for the unit and the broader University to give back to student volunteers.
“At UJ we believe in equipping students and ensuring that they are future fit and ready to take on the world of work once they complete their qualifications. Our CE volunteers give to communities and the University selflessly, and it was a pleasure for us to be able to equip them with necessary skills,” she said.
Although the session was only a glimpse and not enough to cover the full learners license syllabus, students were given a chance to take a collective practice test. The results showed how easy it is to fail without proper preparation, reminding everyone of the importance of studying and understanding the road rules thoroughly.
In addition to the learning aspect, Mtsweni guided the students through the process of registering a profile on the Simplify drive platform. Students were shown how to properly use the platform and he gave the students them free access to the platform that usually comes at a cost for the full service, with many taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
