Five-month ultimatum for �pirate� driving schools
Lebogang Baingapi | Tuesday August 2, 2016 15:39
Speaking at a Driving Schools mini-Pitso in Jwaneng on Friday, the Road Safety coordinator, Timothy Phalane warned that the relevant provisions had come into effect last year, with unaccredited instructors and schools given a year’s grace period.
“There will be no extension,” he said. Phalane urged instructors to develop their own theory syllabus, which will be approved by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and DRTS.
“This will help the schools to deliver rich and solid content to the learner drivers,” he said.
“Let us work together and develop new strategies to enhance quality and secure road use.
“Our department is working around the clock to ensure increase of manpower in our offices, especially instructors.” He urged instructors and schools to affiliate to associations so as to speak with one voice to relevant authorities.
Participants at the mini-Pitso decried the lack of operational space for their schools and pleaded with the DRTS to fully implement a resolution from last year’s meeting of engaging Land Board authorities. Though DRTS officials argued that they had circulated a savingram to all Land Boards pushing for easy access to land by driving schools, there has been no implementation yet.
At the mini-Pitso, it also emerged that the relaxation of the requirements for the Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) had increased road traffic accidents. The new requirements allow drivers with two years of driving to acquire the PrDP without going through theory and practical tests.
“This has increased the number of taxi drivers on the roads, causing congestion and unsafe driving,” one participant said.
Phalane, however, said it was unfortunate that government’s noble gesture had brought unforeseen circumstances. He called on industry players to invest in safety and adhere to the stipulated procedures every time.