“First Time in History”: Taxi With Learner Driver Symbol Cruising in Joburg Leaves SA Speechless

• A woman recorded a taxi driving through Johannesburg with a learner driver sign, sparking amusement and debate online
• The video went viral after it was shared on TikTok as online users came up with many theories trying to make sense of what they were seeing
• Social media users were entertained and puzzled by the unusual sight, while others speculated that the taxi was in full operation and driven by a learner
• Briefly News spoke with Nduna, a taxi driver from Cape Town about taxi law and operations

A Johannesburg woman spotted something unexpected on the road: a taxi displaying a learner driver (L) sign. Amused by the bizarre sight, she recorded a video and shared it on social media, where it went viral.

The video posted on TikTok by user @lalla_brown had many people laughing while others debated whether the taxi was truly operating with an inexperienced driver.

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The learner taxi driver cruises around Johannesburg

The clip by @lalla_brown shows a taxi driving along Joburg streets. Unlike some taxis that speed through traffic light intersections, this taxi driver stops when the light turns amber before it gets red and waits like other cars.

Watch the Tiktok video below:

Operating a combi as a learner driver

The Briefly News team asked Nduna, a short-distance driver from Cape Town what could it mean when a quantum is displaying a learner driver (L) sign while not having a taxi association sticker and if that was common in the industry. He said:

"A quantum displaying a learner driver (L) sign could mean that it is not yet officially registered for public transport use or is being used for training purposes. In South Africa, operating a taxi without a valid operating license and a taxi association sticker is illegal. Ignoring the law and picking up passengers can get a person in serious trouble."

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The team asked Nduna if he thought such a taxi could be operating without passengers, or if it was likely that passengers were inside without being visible in the video. Nduna responded:

"It is possible that the taxi was being tested or used for private purposes. However, if it is actively transporting commuters it would raise concerns about whether the driver was properly licensed. It is unlikely that such a taxi can bearound around the taxi rank picking passangers."

The BrieflyNews team asked the taxi driver what safety regulatory issues could arise from a taxi operating with a learner sign and no official taxi sticker. He said:

"A taxi operating under these conditions would likely be violating many transport laws. Firstly, a learner driver is not permitted to operate a public transport vehicle without a licensed instructor present.

Additionally, not having a taxi association sticker or operating license means the taxi has not been vetted for roadworthiness, insurance, and compliance with transport and taxi regulations. This poses risks to passengers and other road users and could lead to fines, impoundment, or legal action against the operator.

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Mzansi debates about the clip

The viral video gained 1.3M views, 56K views and almost 2K comments from social media users who filled the feed with humour and curiosity. Some joked that in Jozi, anything was possible, even learner drivers in taxis, while others pointed out that the taxis were likely not in service, citing the absence of a visible taxi association and its distinctive blue plates.

User @nomsamakhubela shared:

"First time in the history 😂😂."

User @John Moseja added:

"Imagine taking a ride then you just realise when you are already inside that 😂😂."

User @khombisilenyide asked:

"But what do you mean by learner driver? Nenzani lapho egoli (what are you guys doing in Johannesburg)?"

User @Precious NolwazieMa said:

"Maybe it's a family car and it's driven by the mother🥺."

User @Mthoja20 commented:

"South African ihlezi izokumangaza (will amaze you)🤣🤣."

User @calalesendemagadlela said:

"But no stick for association group this is not transport for uphakathi 😂😂."

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3 Briefly News taxi articles

• A young lady recorded a passenger who fell asleep on her shoulder during a short-distance taxi ride, leaving social media users in stitches.
• An American man currently in Cape Town took on the role of a local taxi driver, nailing the lingo, gestures and dress sense.
• A kind-hearted taxi driver invited a female driver he met in traffic to Dunoon township near Century City, assuring her she would be safe when with him.

Source: Briefly News