Drivers to be examined automatically soon – Govt

By Ben Musanje

1^st Sept 2022

Government has set to introduce an automated driver testing system with the aim to ensure that all motorists are competent enough to use the roads.

The automated testing system was expected to take effect in March last year after the government owned Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC) took over from Face Technology Company in issuing driving permits.

Persons seeking the Professional Driver’s License will be required to make an application whose modalities and specifics will be disclosed after the government finalizes all venues to conduct the automated driving tests.

The applications will be followed by an oral examination issued by an official working in accordance with the Ministry of Works and Transport regulations. The oral examinations will include testing a learner’s knowledge about traffic signs and road regulations.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works and Transport General Edward Katumba Wamala at the launch of a road safety campaign dubbed SAFE STEPS, a public service programme aimed at raising awareness about road safety, by providing clear and simple life-saving messages to motorists.

It is from this stage that the learner’s driving skills will be tested using a car whose system is automatically connected to a system that will generate the scores of the learner after the driving test. The learner driver will have to drive following instructions issued before the start of the test.

Minister Katumba says the automated driver testing system will eliminate possibilities of corrupting officials involved in the issuance of driving licenses and also will be used as a tool to control road accidents which are the major causes of deaths besides diseases in the country.