Driving schools not following procedures

ISLAMABAD: Only one private driving school in Islamabad is following proper procedures, according to the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP).

These procedures include the trainer being certified and able to teach traffic theories, as well as using a vehicle with dual control. There is no law or regulatory body for the estimated 50 private driving schools in the city, said Mir Vais, Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police. Students also often complain that the trainers are not qualified enough and charge extremely high fee for the courses. The fee normally ranges from Rs2500 for a 15-day course and can go up to Rs10,000 for one month’s course.

This excludes the extra fee for teaching traffic rules and road signs. Asad Munir, a student of a driving school in Sector G-8/4, said his experience had not been useful. He enrolled himself twice, but only became proficient after practising on his own car. “These driving schools have no standards,” he said. “Their only interest is making money.”

Muhammad Ali Abbassi, owner of a private driving school in Sector F-10, talking to The Express Tribune, said he maintained proper standards. However, Muhammad Yameen, 23, a student at Abbassi’s school, contradicted this, adding that he had not been taught any theory. “I am into my 12th day and have still not acquired the confidence to drive on busy roads,” Yameen said.