Driving Schools: Conditions Demanded Adequate

12 years ago - 24 April 2012, The Défi Media Group
Driving Schools: Conditions Demanded Adequate
Monitors driving schools have fed. They claim their rights as monitors and demanding and more suitable conditions for collaboration of the Traffic Branch. In this context, they held a protest for over an hour in the enclosure of the Central Barracks, last Tuesday.

Monitors driving schools expressed their dissatisfaction with it is the waiting time for driving tests, lack of examiners, lack of parking and lack of public toilets, among others. 

Gorah Goolamally and Rajendrakumar Naga, president and advisor of the Driving Instructors' Association respectively, explained that although they pay a fee of Rs 2500 per year, the Traffic Branch does nothing to improve the conditions in which they operate.

"Previously we had meetings with the Commissioner and it allowed us to expose our grievances and find solutions together for the welfare of all. But the new commissioner has given us no meeting, "said Rajendrakumar Naga. 

He believes that the police are tough on their students. "Students are often stressed when they come for the practical test in particular. Because of the lack of reviewers, they do not pass the exam sometimes. They arrive in the morning and have to wait for hours before making the driving test. " 

They say the police are often too tired, irritated and lose the pedals. Every day, some 200 oral and practical tests would be conducted. "But only ten to twelve police officers involved in these tests. Imagine, only ten to twelve policemen for many students. It is normal that they lose patience and are arrogant to the candidates, "said the advisor of the association of some 200 monitors. addition to problems with the police, Rajendrakumar Naga is a lack of comfort for the monitors, as well as for students who spend their driving tests. The tests start at 7: 30 pm in the morning and end at 17 h 30. A fee of Rs 500 is charged for each test, but the instructors and students have no access to the canteen of the police. 

Monitors fraudsters "

We stay there for hours without eating. We can go out and buy food because the police stationed at the door of the barracks can you deny access to the entrance again. There is not even room to sit, "says this monitor driving school with over 16 years experience in the field. He also denounces monitors fraudsters, who would pay no fee, but whose students pass the test. The latter do not hold the operating permit. "It's unfair because we are within the law, while these scammers are not. But their students pass the test anyway. And when it is revealed, we are told that these are private cars. And by law they are entitled to take the test. This is really unfair, "says Rajendrakumar Naga. 

Parmanand Bhadye, another member of this association, regrets, for its part, the insanitary condition of public toilets they use. "There are only two public toilets. One for the female and the other for men. They are in terrible shape and a foul odor prevails. However, several requests were addressed to the relevant authorities on this, but there was no improvement so far, "said the latter. 

The side of the Traffic Branch 

Inspector Mohit Ramah, Traffic Branch of the Department, refutes About the instructors. "You should know that the police canteen (Junior Police Officer Mess) is a Restricted Compound. Only members of the police force have access. This is not for the public. Monitors, as well as students who come to spend their driving test, have the right to leave and return later, "he advance.  

It indicates that some 150 tests are performed every day, but during school holidays, twenty additional tests are performed. "Taking this increase into account, an additional number of examiners is posted, or 24 examiners instead of twenty," he adds.

As it is the waiting time for tests, he said that all tests are on "Staggerred Appointment." "The tests are performed individually in 45 minutes. These are the instructors who bring their students in advance. It is not necessary because they must wait their turn. However, if a candidate is late, there will be a shift for him. Being late, another candidate takes his place and must wait, "said the inspector. There is also the climatic aspect which is often at stake "In wet weather, it is normal that the tests are falling behind. Often, we must stop the test because of heavy rain, but I will say that it is the instructors who must fulfill their commitment to their students on this issue, "he says.

39,900 students for the oral test

In 2011 39,900 candidates took part in the oral examination to obtain a Learner and 21 007 were successful. "We have a computer system for the oral test, but those who are not comfortable with computers or English and French do the test table in Creole. Every day, some 160 to 180 oral tests are performed and six policemen ensure their smooth running, "said the inspector Ramah.

12,589 candidates for the practical test for the same year some

12 589 candidates have completed the practice test. Among, 4328 women and 8261 men. "Although the number of women to obtain a driving license has increased dramatically over the past five years, the figures show that men predominate for a permit," the inspector stressed Ramah. "The candidates are certified for a license based on their performance. No candidate is favored at any time. "

Furthermore, 65% of applicants get their licenses, while 50% are successful on the oral test. "Those who fail must retake the test after a period of two and a half months, but for those who passed the test of the road, only a month's delay is necessary to return the other tests," says Inspector Ramah.

Automatic Transmission

With the introduction of automatic cars on our roads, candidates opting for these new cars. Veena, a young student, prefers automatic cars. "They are easier to drive. That's why I chose to take the test in automatic, "she said.

For now, only five driving schools offer lessons for the license automatically. "These driving schools have another license. And candidates who choose the automatic driver's license were not allowed to drive a manual car. In principle, women are more fond of this type of vehicle, "said the inspector Ramah.

Choosing a driving school

In Mauritius, driving schools are not lacking, but many of them are not licensed community to operate a school. It is therefore important to check if the school you choose is recognized and do not scam, supports Rajendrakumar Naga.

"The art of lead varies from person to person, depending on his style, his ability to learn, but on average it takes 20 hours of lessons from an instructor of a driving school to get his license, "said the latter.

Therefore, it is essential to be recommended by a driving school to conduct the practical test. Since this test is central to the Barracks in Port Louis, it is advisable to learn to drive in the capital to simulate the same test conditions.

The price is 30 minutes driving to Rs 300, but this varies from one school to another. Moreover, the insurance of the car, at Rs 1500, also requested by many schools.

Decentralization

All driving tests for all types of vehicle: motorcycle, private car, taxi, van, truck. .. are currently carried out at Central Barracks. Although decentralization of the driving test has been announced in the not too distant past by the authorities concerned, this project is still under investigation.

"I can not comment on the subject. It is a policy and the government is working on a project for the Driving Testing and Education. But it would be desirable that we find a new infrastructure outside the center of Port Louis to perform these tests. With heavy traffic in the center, the driving test is becoming increasingly difficult, "said the inspector Ramah.

In conclusion, the inspector Mohit Ramah states that "the police take all necessary steps to provide a service quality to all candidates. This, to enable them to perform their test in a comfortable environment in a healthy state of mind. "  

Complicated task

The goal of any monitor is that his pupil gets his license. Although demand is increasing for automatic cars since they are much easier to handle, driving schools teach the courses in manual cars. The courses teach driving in general, maintaining the car, reading and recognizing signs, signs for motorists, getting started, the gear shift and park the car, among others, emphasizes Rajendrakumar Naga.

" Learning to drive is a rather complicated task and requires concentration on the road. Driving is not an activity that is done lightly or for fun. Know how to handle the machine, while remaining Zen, is important on the road. It is therefore imperative that the driver keeps his cool in all circumstances, not only for his own safety, but also that of other road users, "said the latter.

Necessity

Learning to drive today is a real need for men as for women. Drive allows you to move and, for people who work away from home, this is essential. It is therefore advised young people to enroll in the theory test at 18 to obtain their license as soon as possible. But it is also recommended to take the greatest care on the road to avoid accidents.