KINGSTON, Jamaica – Driving instructors have been given time to meet certification requirements under the new rules governing the use of the nation’s roads.

As provided under the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, driving instructors and driving schools are required to be certified and licensed by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

Speaking in the House of Representatives recently, Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw, informed that the effective date for the requirement is proposed to be January 1, 2024.

He said the date will allow reasonable time for instructors to undergo an approved training programme.

Phased implementation of the new road rules commenced on February 1.

The legislation aims to better regulate and promote safe use of Jamaica’s roadways.

Before applying to be certified as a driving instructor, the person must be at least 24 years of age, must have held and used the class of driver’s licence for which certification is being sought for a period of not less than 24 months, and successfully complete a driving instructor training programme approved by the authority.

The application made to the ITA should include a police record; character references from any two of these persons – a justice of the peace (JP), a minister of religion, an officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), or an attorney-at-law; a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner indicating the health (including the mental health) of the applicant, and the fee specified.

The authority may, upon receipt of an application, request that the applicant furnish additional information and documents as considered relevant.

An applicant for a licence to operate a driving school is required to, among other things, provide evidence that an owner, a director or a partner of the driving school is a certified driving instructor, and also provide character references from any two of these persons – a JP, a minister of religion, an officer of the JCF or an attorney-at-law.

The applicant must also prove that the building to be used for classrooms at the driving school is approved for the purpose by the local authority; is in good repair; has adequate fire-fighting and protective equipment; has suitable and adequate toilet facilities for staff and students and supplies necessary for rendering first aid; and is equipped with adequate desks, chairs, audio and visual equipment and other necessary items.

Also to be submitted is a written outline of the classroom and on-the-road instructional programme, which shall meet or exceed the minimum programme standards established by the authority.

The authority may, at any time, inspect or cause an inspection to be made of a driving school by any authorised person, and keep a register of driving instructors and driving schools to be known as the Register of Driving Instructors and Driving Schools.