The Roads Authority (RA) has confirmed that legislation to regulate driving schools in Namibia is being finalised, with efforts underway to accelerate its implementation.
RA Executive for Transportation, Sidney Boois, said while laws governing driving schools already exist, they have not yet been enacted.
“The issue of driving schools has laws in place, but they are not yet enacted. There are pieces of legislation that are alleged to be solidified, and that process is well underway as regards driving schools in Namibia,” he said.
Boois explained that stakeholder consultations have already been held this year to fast-track the process, stressing the role of driving schools in producing competent drivers.
“With the high number of road accidents recorded in Namibia, the regulation of driving schools is essential to ensure stricter requirements for obtaining licences and to promote defensive driving skills,” he said.
The move comes after calls from Namibian Traffic Information System (NaTIS) examiners for the Ministry of Works and Transport to regulate driving schools and instructors.
Concerns have been raised over unqualified trainers offering substandard services, contributing to a high failure rate, particularly among Code B learner drivers.
Proposals under consideration include mandatory training and certification for all instructors, with certificates to be attached to clients’ licence applications as proof of legitimacy.
