Driving Schools Petition Intelligent Testing System
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday April 30, 2018 13:05
In a petition signed by the members of the Association of Driver School Training, they complain that the new testing centre is different from how they were trained. “We were told this is a pilot project, but we are now being compelled to use this place even though we were not trained. We need to be certified in order for us to be able to train our learners with the new system,” instructors said in a statement.
They also complained that their learners would have to use government vehicles, which they have to pay for in case they cause an accident. “If you cause an accident with the car, you pay half of the expenses for repairing. We are also concerned that we are expected to train learners for a week at the centre before they can be tested. It is difficult for us because all other centres near Gaborone are closed and people are expected to be here daily while staying in Molepolole,” the instructors wrote.
The instructors complain that their learners have to wait for a long time to be tested because the centre serves a huge number of people. “They have a few cars and few examiners. This leads to our learners waiting for a long period to be tested. They said they are piloting, but we are all forced to come here. We need to be allowed to use our old system until we are properly trained on the new centre,” one of the instructors said.
Learners also demanded answers from authorities saying they long waited to be tested.
“I missed a job opportunity because I do not have a driver’s licence. But I have long waited to be tested. I hope they find a solution so th at we can be helped,” bemoaned one Tebogo Dinku from Molepolole.
Contacted for a comment, Department of Road Transport and Safety director, Bokhutlo Modukanele dismissed claims by the instructors.
“We consulted them properly and never left them out when planning this. There is not much difference that would require them to be trained on the new centre,” he said.
Modukanele said other centres like Lobatse and Ramotswa are still testing with the old system.
“We lost some of our examiners in Molepolole and Mochudi. We have been struggling in those areas and we do not force the people to use our new centre.
Modukanele said the main reason for the new centre is to curb corruption. “Some of those complaining are just frustrated that we left no room for corruption with the centre. Everything is working smoothly with the system and we intend to extend the same to all testing centres,” he said.