The candidates, examiner and technician had been informed about the irregularities and been given an opportunity to explain their involvement in the incident , said the province's community safety, security and liaison department.

Their responses were unsatisfactory, said spokesman Joseph Mabuza.

He said the incident happened at the Mhala testing centre in September.

"The technician, who worked for a private company, has been fired by his employer for his involvement, and the examiner was removed from the centre by his employer, the local municipality," said Mabuza.

He said the candidates were barred from applying or being issued with licences for a period of 12 months, in line with the National Road Traffic Act.

MEC Vusi Shongwe said driver incompetence, because of testing irregularities, was one of the factors which contributed to road accidents.

"This is an indication of what is happening in some of the testing stations," he said.

"We will not allow such irregularities to be the order of the day. This will serve as an example to other applicants and officials who are also involved in such actions."

CCTV technology would gradually be extended to other testing stations in the province to fight corruption.