Working as a traffic officer is one of the most fulfilling careers you can find in the entire world. If you have a genuine interest in this career path, you can also become a traffic officer. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) organises a variety of training to help you make those goals come true.
But first, you need to be qualified to become a traffic officer. To obtain these qualifications, you must at least complete one of the three road traffic management training that RTMC conducts. You can learn the conditions that you must meet to join the programme in the following explanations.
About RTMC
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) was formed as a collaboration between the national, provincial, and local levels of government to:
- Improve the overall quality of road traffic service provision, particularly in terms of ensuring safety, security, order, discipline, and mobility on the roads;
- Protect road infrastructure and the information through the adoption and use of novel technology;
- Where appropriate, phase out state support and phase in competitive private sector investment in road traffic concerns;
- Introduce commercial management principles to inform and guide road traffic governance and decision-making;
- Improve the efficiency with which public monies are spent;
- Regulate, strengthen, and monitor intergovernmental contact and cooperation in road traffic matters;
- Improve the interchange and distribution of traffic-related information;
- Encourage road traffic research and make appropriate use of the resources of existing institutes and research organizations; and
- Develop human resources for road traffic issues in both the public and private sectors.
RTMC commenced its operations in April 2005 with the objective of pooling powers and resources to eliminate the fragmentation of responsibilities for all aspects of road traffic management across the various levels of government in South Africa.
Of the many services that RTMC provides, one of which focuses on providing training in road traffic management that can be followed by the public, especially those who have an interest in a career in this field.
Road Traffic Management Training
The goal of RTMC Road Traffic Management Training is to improve the overall quality of road traffic training by establishing and implementing standards for traffic personnel training.
The programme’s goal is to professionalise the fraternity, ensuring that competent and skilled professionals are utilised to improve and restore law enforcement and road safety practitioners’ reputations. Traffic Officer Training is a continuous process that covers all aspects of law enforcement and road safety.
Besides, RTMC is in charge of all Traffic Training Colleges’ Norms and Standards. Also, it’s in charge of ensuring that Traffic Colleges adhere to the requirements outlined in Regulation 2B of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and the Policy Document for Traffic Training Centres.
It also compiles, distributes and moderates summative assessment instruments (exams) for the following courses:
- Traffic Officer qualification;
- Examiner of Vehicles; and
- Examiner for Driving Licences.
RTMC Curriculum Sub-Unit is responsible for developing curriculums and learning material for new courses. These training are distinguished by level, including:
1. Traffic Officer NQF Level 4 Training
This qualification will provide the broad knowledge, skills, and values needed for learners who wish to pursue a career in the road traffic law enforcement field. Learners achieving this qualification will be deployable on the country’s rural and urban roads either as provincial or metro traffic law enforcement officers.
Learners achieving this qualification will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of the ethical framework within which the traffic officer operates;
- Manage traffic in various contexts;
- Operate equipment used by a traffic officer;
- Demonstrate physical defensive and restraining techniques;
- Apply the legal and regulatory framework that governs the traffic officer’s duties and activities; and
- Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements within the ambit of a traffic law enforcement officer.
Once this qualification has been completed, learners will be able to pursue the National Certificate: Policing, NQF Level 5 and/or the National Certificate: Generic Management, NQF Level 5. The latter qualification will make it possible for the learners to become a manager within the road traffic management sector.
2. Traffic Officer NQF Level 6 Training
This qualification is registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The qualification falls within the ambit of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). RTMC has been appointed by the QCTO as Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) for this qualification.
This qualification is not approved for use by learners under the age of 18. Industry-specific entry requirements:
- Minimum educational qualification of matric or grade 12 or equivalent;
- Code B driving Licence (manual transmission);
- The applicant must be employed by a Provincial Authority or Local Authority;
- No criminal record;
- Medical certificate as proof that a person may do strenuous exercise; and
- Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age.
This road traffic management training programme consists of three components: knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience.
3. Road Traffic Safety Officer NQF Level 6 Training
This qualification is registered on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The qualification falls within the ambit of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). RTMC has been appointed by the QCTO as an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) for this qualification.
The learning programme consists of three components: knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience. In order to qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must provide proof of competency in all modules by means of statements of results and evidence of work experience.
4. Examiner for Driving Licences (EDL)
An examiner for driving licences is a person who tests the driving ability of people who want to obtain their driver’s licences. The minimum requirements to be trained as an Examiner for Driving Licences are as follows:
- Minimum educational qualification of grade 12 or equivalent;
- No criminal record; and
- The applicant must be employed by a Provincial Authority or Local Authority.
Besides, the applicant must be in possession of the following driving licences (manual transmission) in order to attend and be trained in the different modules as indicated hereunder:
- Grade A: Codes EC and A
- Grade B: Code EC
- Grade C: Codes B and A
- Grade D: Code EB
- Grade F: None
- Grade L: None
Furthermore, the course for examiners of driving licences is progressive in nature and any person applying to attend a particular grade (module) of the entire course other than the most basic grade must produce proof of having completed the grades which precede the grade which has been applied for.
5. Examiner of Vehicles (EOV)
An examiner of vehicles is a person who examines vehicles for roadworthiness. The minimum requirements to become an examiner of vehicles are as follows:
- Minimum educational qualification of grade 10 or equivalent;
- No criminal record;
- The applicant must be employed by a Local Authority, Provincial Authority or Private Test Station; and
- The applicant must be in possession of the applicable driving licences (manual transmission) to attend the different grades of training as prescribed in the National Road Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996).
How to Become a Traffic Officer
To become a Traffic Officer, you need to be employed or appointed as a trainee (permanent or on contract) by a Provincial Department of Transport, a Municipality or a Government Agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
The minimum requirements to become a Traffic Officer are as follows:
- Minimum educational qualification of matric or grade 12 or equivalent;
- Code B driving licence (manual transmission);
- No criminal record;
- Medical Certificate as proof that a person can do strenuous exercise; and
- You shall not be older than 35 years of age.