Rundu:The Ministry of Works and Transport has urged for tougher regulation of driving schools and instructors to enhance driver training quality and road safety in Namibia.

According to Namibia Press Agency, this announcement was made during a one-day consultative workshop in Rundu. The workshop aimed to discuss measures to strengthen regulation in the sector, including the certification of instructors, standardized training, consumer protection, and stricter requirements for training vehicles and facilities.

Deputy Director for Transportation Regulation, Damien Mabengano, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Minister Veikko Nekundi. Nekundi emphasized that the primary goal of regulating driving schools is to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents by ensuring new drivers receive high-quality education from certified professionals.

Nekundi identified challenges such as inconsistencies in training quality, concerns about instructor competency, and the suitability of training vehicles. He highlighted the necessity for stronger oversight and accountability within the sector.

The consultation aims to help develop a practical regulatory framework that improves road safety. While driving instruction is regulated under the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999, Nekundi warned against facilitating the acquisition of licenses by unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of responsible conduct among driving schools and instructors. He also acknowledged the positive contributions of professional driving schools to the economy and driver competency development.