Driving schools in Vasco have been accused of failing to impart the correct technique to the new drivers as they lack trained instructors and classrooms to impart theoretical knowledge
While the RTO, Traffic Police and NGOs faithfully observe Road Traffic Safety Week every year to highlight the importance of road safety and to minimize road mishaps, little attention has been given to identify one crucial component in this exercise.
Driving schools have been thriving in the State, given the growing number of vehicles each year, but these driving schools have been accused of failing to impart the correct technique to the new drivers.
Driving schools not only lack trained instructors, but they also lack classrooms to impart theoretical knowledge to the new drivers/riders.
As per the Motor Vehicle Act, the instructor/ trainer should possess diploma in motor mechanic trade and five years experience in driving. A survey by Herald has revealed that almost all driving schools in Vasco do not have qualified instructors.
Speaking to Herald, some candidates pursuing driving classes admitted that the instructors themselves do not have the basic knowledge of road safety, rules and signals.
“Most of the instructors are young boys and they encourage us to overtake from the wrong side. Except for teaching us the use of the clutch, break and accelerator, most instructors fail to teach us the importance of hand brakes and high beam, the right of way at traffic islands and the correct use of lanes,” disclosed a driving student on condition of anonymity.
Added another student, “The main culprit for road accidents are the driving schools and the RTO, who issue driving licenses to candidates even if they commit a blunder during the driving test.”
When contacted, Assistant Director of Regional Transport Office (Vasco) Ivo Rodrigues confirmed from his inspectors that the driving schools are managed by trained instructors.
But when asked if the instructors who actually conduct the driving classes are qualified, Rodrigues replied in the negative.
Rodrigues informed that there are around 14 driving schools in Vasco, while 17 vehicles of different makes and models are used to train the candidates.
He also admitted that these training schools do not have classrooms to provide theoretical knowledge to the candidates.
Admitting that driving schools need to improve on their facilities and instructors, Rodrigues said: “I will invite instructors of all driving schools in Vasco and we will guide them on how to impart practical as well theoretical knowledge to the students as it is important to learn correctly and well.”
