Drivers Licence just a money-making scam?

How do you feel about this? How many times and how much did you spend before you finally got your drivers licence?
I have been driving for well over four years now, yet try as I might- still have not passed a drivers test. I have been for over 20 lessons with various instructors who all have no doubt in their minds that I know how to drive. Yet when I go for the test- I get failed! I have driven all over south africa (with a learner's licence) and have found what I think is the problem. In most town/cities learners are allowed to practice on the testing grounds between certain hours, yet this is not so in Port Alfred and a few other towns. Why is this? Our library testing grounds are old and dilapidated, with half the poles missing and the road markings faded so its not a surprise that when one goes for the actual test- its confusing and disorientating!
I feel this K53 system is simply a money-making gimmick as people now have to spend thousands and thousands before they are allowed legally on the road. All the while we have an array of "Lucky-packet" drivers who could only have bought or bribed their licences causing havoc on our roads. Not even our own traffic officers obey the rules of the road! One such man (wont mention names) nearly drove straight over me as I was crossing the pedestrian crossing in front of spar!
Am I alone in thinking this system is a farce?