By A Correspondent| Local driving schools have hailed the recently introduced electronic learners license testing (ELLT) system for improving their business environment and country standards while curbing corruption in the issuance of provisional learners licenses.
Electronic learners license tests were introduced by government to promote openness and efficiency while curbing rampant corruption, blamed for accidents on the roads.
Prosper Dowa, chief executive officer of Safety Driving School hailed the new system for boosting demand for driving lessons.
“I applaud government and minister of Transport for the bold step that is safe especially during the time of COVID-19,” Dowa said.
“As an upcoming entrepreneur, I turn challenges into business opportunities and as Safety Driver Training we started computerized provisional lessons back in 2016 ( website based exams preparation, illustration of traffic signs and diagrams, question and answers and we also assess those students online) as a way of expanding our reach to our clients who are all over the country.”
“We are currently working to introduce a syllabus that suits all Southern African Development Committee (SADC) countries.
“Learners who are coming to us really like the computerized lesson because of its self-interaction ability as well as SADC traffic signs, an advantage when obtaining international drivers licence,” he said.
Dowa pleaded with government to quicken the introduction of electronic provisional license tests at all Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) depots across the country.
Scores of people who recently undertook the provisional driver’s license tests hailed the new system saying it had made the whole process transparency as opposed to the old system which was prone to abuse by VID officers.
Transport minister, Biggie Joel Matiza said they introduced the Electronic Learner’s Licence Testing System to enhance transparency and reduce human involvement in the issuance of drivers’ licences.
“With the new system, students can never predict which questions they are going to receive and the grading is done as soon as a student completes the final question. This not only cuts down on waiting time, but also prevents any kind of corruption between the students and the official on duty, who might accept bribes for passing a student, when they actually failed,” said Matiza.