Richard P Talliard, Heathfield
It is comforting to realise there are examiners of driving licences who are willing to preserve the integrity of the profession.
I definitely do not support or condone the actions of applicant trying to bribe the examiner, however, there are probably extenuating circumstances that could encourage the attempt to bribe examiners.
Let us first examine the training and preparation of the learner driver:
* The majority of instructors do not possess an instructor’s certificate, which indicates that the instructor’s knowledge of the K53 has not been assessed.
* There could be ignorance on the part of the instructor with regards to the rules of the road.
* The applicant has not given the instructor sufficient time to prepare him or her fully for the test (not enough lessons).
* Some instructors are reluctant to increase their hourly rate which necessitates them having to work seven days a week and for long hours a day which in my opinion affects their teaching ability and concentration.
These problems can be solved if the industry is regulated and a facility is available where instructors can be formally trained before they may apply for an instructor’s certificate with an annual refresher.
Now let us consider the examiners:
* There is inconsistency of the interpretation of the Government Regulation Gazette No 8392, vol 490, No 28446.
* Learner drivers must be specifically prepared for a testing centre.
* There is ignorance on the part of the examiner as to the rules of the road. The majority of examiners are not qualified traffic officers.
* The fact that examiners are not sent for their annual refresher course.
* The brusque attitude of some examiners.
However, I need to add, should a learner ask me to recommend a fair testing centre, I’d recommend Hillstar or Gallows Hill as the examiners there stay within the confines as prescribed by the Gazette.
