WALVIS BAY – Coastal driving schools’ operators have called for standardised testing procedures at the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) centres, saying learner drivers should be tested according to the same requirements regardless of where they apply for their licences.
They also want improved testing facilities and better monitoring of examinations to ensure fairness and consistency in the driver licensing system.
Hilaria Driving Academy owner Hilaria Erastus, who has been in the industry for nine years, said one of the main concerns is inconsistency in the way learner drivers are tested.
Erastus said instructors prepare applicants according to established testing guidelines, but some requirements applied by examiners differ between testing centres.
She said this creates confusion for instructors as they are expected to prepare learners for the same driver’s licence examination.
She called on the Roads Authority to ensure that testing procedures are applied consistently across centres.
“The Swakopmund testing facility is under pressure due to the number of heavy vehicles using the facility. We want additional space to be made available to separate driver testing from other activities,” she appealed.
She also questioned the absence of a dedicated Roads Authority testing facility at Walvis Bay and called for authorities to look at ways of improving facilities at both coastal towns.
Venias Driving School owner Venasiu Haitamalo, meanwhile, called for the driver examination system to be reviewed and modernised.
According to Haitamalo, a driver’s licence has become an important requirement for employment, with some qualified jobseekers unable to secure jobs because they do not have licences.
Haitamalo also raised concerns about language barriers during examinations, saying applicants can misunderstand instructions given by examiners.
He further questioned the scheduling of tests, saying applicants who arrive a few minutes late risk having their tests cancelled, while those who arrive on time can sometimes wait several hours before being tested.
“Please, if possible, review the whole standard,” Haitamalo said.
He also proposed that impartial observers be incorporated into the testing process as part of measures to improve the system.
MTE Driving School’s Werner Wilhelm also called for uniform testing procedures, saying learner drivers should not have to prepare differently depending on the town where they intend to take their test.
He said parking procedures and other requirements should be standardised so that applicants are assessed according to the same criteria throughout the country.
Wilhelm also raised concerns about testing times, saying applicants are sometimes expected to report earlier than the time indicated on their bookings.
Mr P. Original Driving School owner Petrus Haufiku, meanwhile, proposed additional measures to improve transparency during driving examinations.
Haufiku, who has been a driving instructor and operator for about 19 years, welcomed measures aimed at preventing examiners from using cellphones during tests.
“I would like to maybe suggest something, body cams, like cameras on the examiners. And also for the driving schools, all the cars must have cameras,” he said.
Haufiku said driving schools work directly with learner drivers and could assist authorities in identifying loopholes and possible corruption within the licensing system.
He also called for authorities to investigate possible conflicts of interest involving officials who allegedly have interests in driving schools and other transport businesses.
“What laws are there in place that speak about conflict of interest?” Haufiku asked.
He said addressing such issues together with standardising testing procedures could strengthen transparency and confidence in the driver licensing system.
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