KINGSTON, Jamaica— If you are a driving instructor who wants to continue offering driving lessons in Jamaica, you must be certified to do so when the new Road Traffic Act that was passed in 2018 takes effect.

Additionally, all driving schools will have to be licensed to operate. The only exception to certification is where a family member or friend is teaching an individual to drive free of charge.

The new requirements were outlined earlier this week by the Minister of Transport, Audley Shaw, during a debate on the Regulations for the new Act that he said will take effect after a public education campaign.

The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is the entity tasked with ensuring that driving instructors obey the law.

Shaw stated that “all the provisions in this part are new, setting out what is required for permission to be granted to provide such services”.

According to the regulations, a register of certified instructors and licensed schools will be kept by the ITA.

The regulations outline that the prerequisites for a person who wishes to be certified as a driving instructor include:

– being at least 24 years-old;

– having not less than two years’ licensed driving experience; and

– successful completion of a driving instructor training programme approved by the Authority.

Other considerations include character references, criminal record check and any other security vetting, and medical fitness.

“The Authority has the discretion to certify an applicant or not, based on the information presented and obtained. In the case of refusal, the Authority should advise the applicant of same in writing with reason and notify the applicant of his right under section 44 of the Act to appeal to the Tribunal,” a release said.

The certificate is to be valid for five years, but may be suspended or revoked under certain circumstances.

In respect of the licensing of driving schools, a driving school requires:

– a certified driving instructor as an owner, director, or partner;

– adequately equipped building(s) to be used for classrooms; and

– an instructional programme that meets or exceeds the standards established by the ITA.

Additionally, driving instructors and driving schools are required to operate within the stated guidelines, and to keep records as set out in the regulations.

Other requirements include the maintenance of adequate insurance and the operation of safe vehicles. A certificate of completion is to be issued to students, which, under certain circumstances, may qualify the applicant for exemption from aspects of testing by the ITA.