The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is enhancing driving standards to ensure a safer future for all road users.
The government Test Driving Unit of the Land Transport Management Service Division (LTDMS) is implementing more rigorous policies aimed at improving the quality and safety of driving assessments for all applicants.
Eddie Cortis, Principal Driving Examiner, said, they are seeing an increase in demand, with over 15 individuals, on average, coming in for driving tests every week.
A notable trend has been the rising number of female drivers, which Eddie views positively, attributing this growth potentially to the seasonal work scheme requirement in Australia and New Zealand.
The Driving Test Unit used to conduct assessments across three designated primary routes in Honiara.
The unit has extended services to provincial centres such as Auki, Kirakira, Gizo, and Noro, where they often receive nearly 30 drivers for tests.
“It all depends if there is high demand; then we will travel to these provinces having an increased number of vehicles and need for certified drivers.”
To ensure the safety and proficiency of all drivers, the unit adheres to strong standard operating procedures during assessments.
Eddie, who had served this unit for the past 10 years, shared their professionalism and being highly observant while seated on the passenger side, prioritising the safe oversight of new drivers who may be nervous or inexperienced.
“The nature of our job can be dangerous, given the diverse driving competencies of our applicants.
“We are committed to upholding driving standards to combat the high rates of accidents and unlicensed drivers on our roads,” the government driving examiner said.
The driving test fee still stands at $138, valid for three months.
LTMSD Director Leslie Nate echoed that they are enhancing due diligence processes for each applicant to prevent the falsification of test papers, a challenge they have faced in previous years.
He added that their division is collaborating closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Traffic Division to confront the growing issue of reckless driving in our city, a problem that has become increasingly evident these days.
“We continue to advocate for road safety to protect the lives of motorists and pedestrians.”
Leslie further pointed out the need for more government support to enhance their operations and services, ultimately increasing revenue through driver tests and vehicle inspections.
– MID
