The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving to regulate driving schools and instructors in Namibia, minister Veikko Nekundi said on Monday.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop at Swakopmund, Nekundi said the move is aimed at improving the quality of driver training and strengthening road safety.
He said the sector faces challenges including inconsistent training standards, concerns over some instructors’ competency and conduct, unsuitable training vehicles and weak oversight.
“Road safety begins long before a driving licence is acquired,” Nekundi said.
He said driving schools play a key role in shaping the behaviour and attitudes of new drivers.
He added that the proposed framework will focus on properly registering driving schools, ensuring instructors are qualified and certified, requiring safe training vehicles and establishing consistent national training standards.
Nekundi also warned against treating driving schools purely as commercial ventures.
“We cannot compromise public safety in the name of commercial activity,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to provide practical input on the proposed regulations, saying the ultimate objective is to save lives on Namibia’s roads.
“Never be the facilitator of driving licence buying,” Nekundi added.
