Govt pulls brake on driving schools

THE Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled 13 proposed requirements to tighten the regulation of driving schools, including compulsory formal training, testing and certification for instructors before they can teach learner drivers.

The proposed regulations are expected to come into effect on 1 April 2027.

The proposals are contained in a stakeholder consultation document provided to The Namibian on Friday by the ministry’s deputy director of transportat regulations Damien Mabengano.

“The proposed road traffic and transport regulations on regulating driving schools stipulate that any person or body of persons wanting to operate a driving school to train learner drivers must be registered and certified by the Minister of Works and Transport,” he says.

According to Mabengano, driving schools will be required to meet a range of administrative, financial, safety and operational requirements, including business registration, income tax good standing, Social Security good standing, and an Affirmative Action Compliance Certificate.