How To Become A Safe Driver For Life

Clint Mansueto, Director

DRIVER PERMITS, TESTING AND TRAINING UNITS

All the processes leading to the acquisition of a driving licence within the Land Transport Directorate fall under the responsibility of the Driver Permits, Testing and Training Unit, based in Floriana. This Unit is of strategic significance for Transport Malta, since often it is the first point of contact with the Authority for young Maltese citizens and foreigners living in Malta alike, and we all know that first impressions count. However, from a societal perspective, the work carried out by this Unit encompasses people from all walks of life.

After all, every licensed driver may vividly recall his or her first driving test experience, even though decades may have passed since. How fondly we embraced the instant gratification, derived from the licensed driver status and the level of independence it gives us. Although trends have started to shift, culturally speaking, the acquisition of a driving licence was and still is a psychological right-of passage that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Consequently, it is an undeniable fact that the candidate’s expectations are relatively high. To this effect, the customer-centric approach adopted by the Unit is deeply rooted within these beliefs, hence, the commitment to providing a memorable and fair driving test experience is of paramount importance for us.

To improve the overall effectiveness of the Land Transport Directorate, the Unit recently expanded its operations to adopt a ‘one stop shop’ concept. Since January of this year, all the administrative and technical processes related to driver testing and training are being executed under one roof. This approach was positively received, as it has overcome various logistical and operational constraints, significantly improving the Authority’s level of customer service. Currently, the

Driver Permits, Testing and Training Unit constitutes of a Director, four administrative clerks, and a complement of fourteen driving examiners.

On a monthly basis the Unit schedules and performs around 1,200 driving tests with an average pass rate of 57%, with category B (private vehicles) being the main testing category, closely followed by category A (motorcycle) tests and categories C (goods carrying vehicles) and D (passenger carrying vehicles).

In addition, the Unit carries out supplementary tests including the Driving and Instructional ability tests, Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests, practical demonstration tests and TAXI driving tests. Besides this, the Unit is also responsible for the regulation of the Theory Testing Centre, Motoring Schools and Approved Training Providers.

The Educational Approach Towards Driver Training

From an educational perspective, the Unit is firmly committed to extending the concept of driver training, since the road user is the first link in the road safety chain. In fact, whatever technical measures are in place, like good road engineering and general enforcement, the effectiveness of a road safety policy ultimately depends on driver behaviour, at least most of the time. For this reason, education and training are essential variables to promote road safety, as a lifelong ‘educational continuum’.

To this extent and against common belief, the practical driving test is not solely intended to assess driving skills and knowledge of the Highway Code, which is currently being updated, but also provides a wider examination approach to evaluate social values and behaviour in relation to road safety, including

energy-efficient driving, or EcoDriving as it is usually called.

These arguments gain ulterior meaning when one considers the national population size and the number of licensed drivers, which, at the time of writing, stands at 267,935, and the geographical area of the Maltese islands, 316 km² (Regional statistics 2020 edition - NSO, 2021).

Although, when compared to other European countries where road fatalities are concerned, Malta has one of the lowest rates registered, there is still room for improvement (Road safety: Europe’s roads are getting safer, but progress remains too slow - Mobility and Transport - European Commission, 2021). Obtaining a driving licence When it comes to driver training, selfevaluation is key. Therefore, before considering taking any driving tuition, one needs to be mentally prepared and fully committed to undertaking this effort with perseverance and dedication, while keeping in mind and understanding the responsibilities that a driving licence gives the holder. Reckless driving, most of the time, may result in unnecessary damages in all shapes and forms and in unfortunate instances even serious injuries, disability, or even death to oneself or others.

In addition, distracted driving is becoming one of the major contributing factors of road accidents, hence, the use of mobile phones and social media while driving is very imprudent, thus totally inadvisable. It is recommended that a person purchases a vehicle after obtaining the driver licence, since this increases the motivation for that person to pass the driving test. The idea of purchasing a vehicle before passing the test should be totally disregarded as it only serves to create unnecessary financial and mental pressure on the learner to rush through the training process, especially when learners are still very young and just starting out their adulthood.

AT THIS EARLY STAGE OF OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE, THE LEARNING PROCESS SHOULD PRIMARILY AND EXCLUSIVELY FOCUS ON THE

FAMILIARISATION, STUDYING, AND UNDERSTANDING THE CONTENT OF THE HIGHWAY CODE, AFTER WHICH ONE SHALL CHOOSE A REPUTABLE MOTORING SCHOOL.

It is to be kept in mind that the law clearly stipulates that no driving tuition shall be carried out by candidates younger than 18 years of age. If a person under the age of 18 is offered to undertake premature driving lessons, such an offer should instantly be refused, as this practice is against the law.

In addition, it is also illegal to undertake driving lessons, whether with a professional or a with private instructor, without being in possession of a valid learner’s permit issued by Transport Malta. Basically, the Learner’s Permit is the only official legally recognised document issued by the Authority which legally authorises driving tuition. Moreover, once a copy of the learner’s permit is issued, learners must carefully read and observe the terms and conditions, including the restrictions indicated in the document, especially those relating to medical conditions.

When it comes to tuition, although the number of driving lessons needed may vary from one person to another, we strongly recommend a good level of preparation which is essential for passing the driving test. In fact, studies show that one of the main causes of exam related stress and failure is poor preparation. Hence, being well prepared for a driving test will boost one’s confidence and lower the stress levels, therefore achieving better results.

On the other hand, the kind of input from a reputable driving instructor can heavily contribute towards success or failure of the test.

The safest way to engage with a reputable Motoring School is to enquire about its reputation as well as that of its instructors from reliable sources. Students must also observe the general upkeep (i.e., roadworthiness) and cleanliness of the vehicles used during training. In addition, they must make sure that the Motoring School is fully licensed to provide training and

that it is compliant with the current Covid-19 guidelines. Other factors, such as the level of punctuality and the training methods adopted, are all tell-tale signs of the level of professionality and reputation of a Motoring School.

With regard to tuition fees charged, it is being suggested that one must carefully shop around as prices vary. One should specifically enquire whether the rates are per lesson or per hour, as this might vary from school to school.

However, choosing a School based only on the cheapest fees charged is not advisable, as good tuition does not come cheap. It is advised that a student should steer away from Motoring Schools that promise shortcuts, quick results, and quote unrealistic and exaggerated first-time pass rates to impress prospective clients.

On the other hand, if a learner, after choosing a school and starting his or her driving practice, notices a lack of genuine commitment from the instructor, the learner should not hesitate to change that School for another, especially in view of the money and time being spent on tuition. It is important to note that the process of changing from one Motoring School to another should be free of charge.

Once the training syllabus reaches its last stages of completion, it is advised that both the student and the driving instructor analyse together and discuss the progress achieved until then and agree whether enough proficiency has been achieved in order to apply for the driving test.

At this stage the student should pay a visit at the new Theory Testing Center which is located at Gwardamangia Hill, in Pieta and or at St. Francis square in Rabat Gozo, to obtain a Pass result which is legally mandatory to undertake the practical driving test. The fee for sitting for the Theory Test is that of €30.25 and the related studying material, available in both Maltese and English, may be downloaded for free form the Authority’s website.

After successfully passing the Theory Test, the applicant should then proceed to apply for the practical driving test.

Once a test date is scheduled, a copy of the appointment notice is directly sent to the student while another copy is sent to the Motoring School. The administrative fee charged by Transport Malta for a learner’s permit is that of €23.25, while the administrative fee for a practical driving test is also €23.25, except when this takes place on a Saturday, where the fee charged is that of €40.00.

Sitting for the practical driving test

On the day of the test, candidates are advised to be at the Testing Centre at least 30 minutes before the appointed time, wear comfortable clothes that enable free movement, and wear proper and suitable footwear. For category A (motorcycles) tests, the compulsory protective gear and clothing must be worn; a motorcycle helmet with visor, appropriate and sturdy footwear, motorcycle gloves and a reflective vest. On the other hand, in view of safety, shorts, skirts, and flip-flops are not acceptable to be worn during the test.

Examiners must ensure that the person sitting for the test is the actual candidate and hence candidates must present a valid Maltese ID card or passport, whereas foreign candidates must provide their respective residence permit card issued and validated by Identity Malta as an official means of identification.

Although provisions are in place, it is highly advisable that these documents are presented when requested. Also, if a candidate was recommended the use of eyesight correction glasses by his medical practitioner, these glasses must be brought along, otherwise the test cannot be carried out.

In addition, prior to every test, the examiners will carry out the eyesight test, which is done by requesting the candidate to read a clean and standard number plate (i.e., type A — Length 52 cm by Height 11 cm) not more than 20.5m away. If the candidate fails to read such a number plate, the driving test cannot proceed any further. Generally, the practical driving test constitutes of a selected test route that incorporates various environments to encompass as many real driving scenarios as

possible, including residential streets in built-up areas as well as arterial roads, all done in a balanced manner to evaluate driving skills. Furthermore, during every category B test (private cars), candidates will be requested to perform two specific exercises, one of which will be in reverse gear while on the road. For category C1 and C (goods carrying vehicles) and category D1 and D (passenger carrying vehicles) candidates will be requested to perform a specific reversing exercise within the manoeuvring area. Besides the reversing exercise, for categories BE (cars with trailer) and CE (goods carrying vehicles with trailer), a coupling and uncoupling exercise must be performed within the manoeuvring area. For category A (motorcycles) candidates are expected to perform 8 different exercises that simulate different riding scenarios within the manoeuvring area.

Conclusion

One of the main responsibilities of Transport Malta is the promotion of safe and responsible driving. This objective can be achieved through effective driver training and continuous education, as well as improved and well-engineered safe road infrastructure and regular law enforcement. Driver education should serve as a catalyst to improve the national level of driver training, which in turn will produce new generations of safe drivers. In conclusion, one must meticulously remark the fact that a pass test result is not the end of the training process, but the beginning; the beginning of a life-long educational process, that if correctly applied, will gradually develop the necessary safe driving knowledge, behaviour and skills to transform drivers into ambassadors of road safety for life.