Getting to university or college – wheels or no wheels

Getting to university or college – wheels or no wheels

You’re finished school and you’re off to study. Suddenly, you’re faced with a whole new challenge – getting to university or college. Chances are, the place you choose to study at won’t be down the road. So what are your options?

Here’s how to get around town…

1. No wheels: Firstly let’s assume for the moment, you don’t have wheels and don’t stay in the res. Your options are getting a lift in or using public transport. Millions of people use public transport every day.
2. Your own wheels: If you already have your own wheels, you could save on petrol money by arranging a car pool scheme with three or four people who take the same lectures as you and who live en route or stay close to you.
3. Getting your own wheels: If you’re going to be getting your own wheels to get around, these are the steps you’ll need to take:
   1. Get your Learner’s Licence: In order to start learning how to drive, you need to get a Learner’s License.
   2. Get your Driver’s License: Without a Driver’s Licence, you can’t legally drive.
   3. What it costs to run a car: Before you go off and buy a car, you must be aware that it costs money to run a car. Besides petrol, you need to pay for insurance and maintenance.
   4. How to choose a car: If you’re not buying a new car (and most students don’t), you need to make sure you do a few checks so that you don’t end up buying a dud car. Get someone who knows about cars to go with you when you’re looking at cars.
   5. Finance your vehicle: If you don’t have a few thousand rand saved up by the time you want to buy your first car, you will need to finance your car with the bank.
   6. Open a bank account: In order to finance your car, you need to have a bank account. Do a comparison of the major banks in South Africa to decide which bank to open your account at.
   7. Take care of your car to save money: Certain driver behaviour will help you save money, like driving at speed limit and keeping the windows closed. Respect your car and you could save hundreds every month.

Getting a car takes a fair amount of responsibility, that is why the law only allows you to get your Driver’s License when you are 18. Behave like an adult when you drive, for your own safety and that of other road users.