It may look strange that I write about the driving school and the driving test given there because a woman like me has no right to be in such a place. However, what I write represents first-hand experience of a reader who sent me a letter discussing the inadequacies of this institution.
According to this person, if one wants to get to the root of the traffic accidents in our streets then one must go to the place that issues the driving licenses for our sons and drivers. There is violation of the regulations and quality is lacking in driving lessons. Furthermore, there is too much leniency when it comes to driving tests.
The letter writer recently accompanied his son to the institution to apply for a driving license. His son was asked to attend one theory lesson to orient him with traffic regulations. He was then asked to come the next day to be tested on this information by computer.
When he came the next day, he found out that the theory test was simply a superficial procedure without any substance whatsoever. He stood in front of the computer to answer the questions when one of the employees came and punched in all the answers for him and then told him, “That’s it, you’ve passed, you’re done. Go and take the practical test.”
During the practical test, the instructor examining them was in a foul mood, his face showing disgust and exasperation. There were two other trainees already in the car. The instructor constantly spewed verbal abuse and insults making the trainees even more nervous than they needed to be in taking the driving test in the first place.
The test took merely a few minutes — going a few meters in distance only to return to the starting place. A while later the results were announced. His son passed by 50 percent while one of the other two trainees also passed and the third flunked. The third trainee protested about the results. He complained then and there to the administration. Minutes later, he again took the test with another instructor and passed.
The whole procedure aroused many questions: Why is the theory test being taken in such a superficial manner when it is meant to evaluate an applicant’s understanding and awareness of traffic regulations, the lawful twists and turns and the illegal maneuverings?
Doesn’t this illustrate a leniency leading to disregard of laws and the law-enforcers? Doesn’t this show that there is no importance or significance given to regulations or abidance by them? Therefore, doesn’t this all make the traffic administration an accomplice in all traffic mistakes that motorists commit when they permit them to get their driving licenses without any credible evaluation of their knowledge of traffic laws?
There is also another query: Is testing trainees driving along a few meters enough to evaluate the skills of any prospective driver? Is it enough to find out whether the person is able to drive in crowded streets? How about his ability to park in limited space or at awkward angles? The test given at this institution is not enough because it only enables beginners to get driving licenses.
This is why our streets are full of semi-drivers behind the wheels. So is it any surprise at all that our streets are also full of those who commit traffic violations or those who take others’ lives with their driving?
