cover story be licensed for the training done , making it easy and cheaper ,” she said .
To prepare tutors on the expected training changes , NTSA has enrolled all driving school instructors at government training facilities in a bid to prepare for the curriculum roll out . The instructors will use Kenya learner ’ s handbook for light and professional drivers , truck drivers , motorcycle riders and Highway Code as the main learning reference material .
The new curriculum is also tailored to shape trainees communication skills and attitude , customer care and soft skills for PSV and commercial drivers training . It will also impart trainees with skills to handle accidents .
In addition to imparting driving skills and teaching traffic laws , the syllabus incorporates basic mechanic in training . Drivers will be able to check the safety of a vehicle and conduct self-vehicle inspection .
“ The training will equip trainees with emergency handling procedures such as explaining to passengers safety , how to respond to vehicle fires , handling spillage as well as equip drivers with first aid skills ,” NTSA ’ s registration and licensing director explained .
Apart from the formalized drivers training , the new curriculum will also focus on driving evaluation and competence testing before getting a license , Ms . Githinji asserted this by saying that the current driving license test is a superficial exercise with most motor vehicle driving test inspectors sparing less than five minutes for each candidate .
“ Unlike in the past where police were involved in testing drivers , the new test examiners are going to be NTSA officers . Only those who genuinely pass will be licensed to be drivers ,” the director said in an interview with Safari Njema Magazine in her Nairobi office .
Ms . Githinji also said that NTSA has made a number of recommendations to driving schools concerning the expected changes . The schools will be required to have a yard , either hired or purchased , for practical training . The schools will also be required to have simulators for training on night driving and under adverse conditions . All schools will also be required to renew operating license annually subject to inspection by NTSA for compliance .
“ The current system offered in schools is not only inadequate , but also antiquated . For example , practical driving learning space is an issue as some of the existing driving schools have no space to conduct the practical lessons . Maneuver yard test is now a mandatory requirement for driving schools . This will help trainee drivers learn how to maneuver under different set of conditions before venturing into a road test ,” Ms . Githinji said .
The new curriculum will emphasize on importance of road signs .
“ Intended purpose of this new curriculum is to have safe and reliable drivers straight from driving school ,” she said .
The common traffic violations among drivers on Kenya roads include sudden change of lanes , refusing to give way at intersections and speeding .
NTSA hopes to eliminate recklessness on the road with the new curriculum . The safety authority will first train new drivers using the curriculum .
“ Already licensed drivers will lose license after violating traffic laws . The drivers will be allowed back on the road after training under the new curriculum . Only those trained under the curriculum will get a smart driving license ,” the director said .
The new curriculum also stipulates age limits and minimum driving experience for admission in each category and class of driving . Drivers above 70 years will have to submit a medical report to the agency every year to ascertain their medical fitness . The new curriculum makes it mandatory for all drivers to go back to driving schools for a full course after every 10 years .
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