STAFF WRITER
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has warned against bribing driving inspectors to obtain driving licences, saying the practice is contributing to road traffic accidents.
“N$7 000 for a B licence, between N$13 000 to N$15 000 for a C1, please stop. It is contributing to road traffic accidents,” Nekundi said.
Nekundi issued the warning on Monday as the government announced plans to introduce clear regulations for the registration and operation of driving schools in the country.
The regulations are aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and professionalism in the driving-school industry.
Nekundi told stakeholders at a consultation that the law requires driving schools and driving instructors to operate at a level that meets certain expectations.
He said the existing legal framework already recognises the importance of regulating driver training.
“The Road Traffic and Transport Act, 1999 (Act 22 of 1999) provides that a person may not, for reward, instruct or supervise another person in driving a motor vehicle on a public road unless that person holds a driving instructor’s certificate issued in the prescribed manner,” Nekundi said.
The Act provides for regulations concerning the application and issuance of instructor certificates, applicable requirements, periods of validity, conditions attached to certificates, standards for vehicles used for instruction, duties of instructors, and circumstances under which certificates may be suspended or cancelled.
Nekundi said the government now wants to ensure that this legal foundation is translated into a regulatory system that responds effectively to the realities of the driving-school industry.
“What we must now ensure is that this foundation is translated into a regulatory system that responds effectively to the realities of the driving-school industry in a modern Namibia,” he said.
He said the key objective is to give people seeking driving instruction confidence that the schools they engage are properly registered, the instructor is properly qualified and certified, and the training vehicle is satisfactory.
Nekundi said the proposed regulatory framework is guided by five key principles, including professionalism and accountability.
He said driving schools must operate as legitimate, properly registered and accountable businesses subject to appropriate oversight.
The government also wants competent and professional instructors.
Nekundi said instructors must have both driving and teaching skills, with knowledge of road safety, defensive driving, risk management and learner assessment.
They must also demonstrate integrity, patience and professionalism.
The government is also placing emphasis on safe training vehicles.
Nekundi said vehicles used for instruction must be properly maintained, roadworthy, safe and equipped for effective driver training.
The government also wants consistent standards to ensure that all learners across Namibia receive a consistent and acceptable standard of driver training, regardless of where they are trained.
“Driving instructors are on the frontline of road safety. They are often the first professional who introduces a learner or inexperienced person to the responsibilities of driving. The habits they teach can remain with a driver for decades. If they teach patience, observation, and respect for traffic laws, they contribute to safer roads,” he said.
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