As part of October Mobility Month, the Western Cape Government is offering free vehicle safety checks for scholar transport and public transport vehicles from 13 to 15 October 2026.
The initiative promotes road safety by encouraging drivers and operators to check their vehicles, identify potential defects and address safety concerns.
Safety checks
The free safety checks will be conducted between 08:00 and 15:00 at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities. Scholar transport and public transport operators are encouraged to use this opportunity to ensure their vehicles are safe for transporting learners and commuters.
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The inspections are not full roadworthy tests but practical safety assessments carried out by qualified vehicle examiners. Following the inspection, operators receive a printed report identifying any defects or safety concerns that require attention, enabling drivers to address potential issues before they become a risk on the road. The inspections cover key vehicle safety components, including tyres, braking systems, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust systems, windscreen wipers and other critical safety elements.
The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety and promoting a culture of preventative vehicle maintenance.
Shared responsibility
Maxine Bezuidenhout, chief director for traffic management of the Western Cape Mobility Department, said: “October Mobility Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our roads safe. Our free vehicle safety checks give scholar and public transport operators an opportunity to identify potential defects and address safety concerns before they put passengers at risk. These free inspections are an important preventative measure that contribute to safer and more reliable transport services. We encourage all operators to make use of this free service and make vehicle safety a priority.”
Preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents. By identifying defects early, drivers and operators can improve the safety and reliability of the vehicles that thousands of learners and commuters depend on every day.
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