Prince Chese
A learner driver in his final driving examination under an inspector from the Vehicle Inspection Department must be cursing his Gods after his car was hit from the rear when he rightfully stopped at a pedestrian crossing.
Yotam Karuweruwe, who has failed in five previous tests, wept uncontrollably at the scene of the accident where he had done everything right.
Just as he stopped, as is required, to give way to pedestrians at a ‘zebra’ crossing along Emmerson Mnangagwa Road, a car driven by Fortunate Nkomo, crashed into the rear Ubuntu Driving School car Karuweruwe was driving.
According to a witness who spoke to Ziyah News Network on condition of anonymity, the learner driver had correctly given way to pedestrians at the marked crossing.
“The Ubuntu driving school car was stationary at the zebra crossing intersection, waiting for pedestrians to clear the way,” the witness said.
“The white Allion, driven by a woman, failed to stop in time and hit the learner’s car from behind.”
The driver of the Toyota Allion, Nkomo, reportedly holds a Class 2 driver’s license, which qualifies her to drive heavy vehicles.
Despite the accident being caused by a third party, the VID has said Karuweruwe will not be issued a licence for his test.
While the candidate had successfully navigated the parallel parking and hill start maneuvers earlier in the day, the collision prevented the completion of the road circuit.
A VID official said that procedure dictates that a candidate must successfully return the vehicle to the VID premises to conclude the examination.
“Since the candidate did not manage to arrive back at the VID offices with the car, he could not manage to get the license,” the department stated.
Karuweruwe will be required to retake the practical examination at a later date.
Some stakeholders have reminded motorists to exercise extreme caution and maintain safe following distances, particularly when trailing vehicles marked “L” for learner drivers, to avoid such disruptions during licensing assessments.