Mobile app prepares learner drivers

Johannesburg, 03 Jul 2009

The latest version of the K53 manual for the learner's and driver's licence test has been converted into a mobile digital application by Cape Town-based mobile applications developer DigiWords.

Potential learner drivers can now prepare for their learner's test by downloading the K53 mobile application directly onto their cellphones. The can even receive trial tests in preparation for their exam.

“There is a huge shift from the historic view of traditional publishing towards a more digital approach. Keeping in mind the rise of e-books and mobile applications, it is important to start getting content ready for digital deployment,” says Bertus Preller, founder and marketing executive for CellBook.

While the application is still in the early stages of deployment, the parties have already spoken to major cellphone networks for a nation-wide roll-out. According to the company, it is the first Java-based K53 mobile e-learning application of its sort in the world, and was developed utilising DigiWord's CellBook reader technology for mobile phones.

“The technology is developing in such away that mobile applications, such as this one, are no longer reserved for smartphone users; instead, the technology is compatible with 90% of cellphone models available today,” offers Preller.

Preller explains the far-reaching impact of digital publishing as he highlights the success of recent project with Metropolitan and the HIV/Aids mobile book application. Although the book is in the early stages of roll-out, it has already been downloaded 25 000 times. This is significant, argues Preller, because for a novel to be regarded a bestseller in the local markets it needs to sell 5 000 copies.

Those wishing to do the mock K53 learner's licence test directly on their mobile phone can SMS 'ARRIVE' to 31400, and receive six sets of 30-question trial tests at a cost of R7.50 per set. Mock tests will also be available on the Web site and through a Facebook application.