Kayode ShopekanThe General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Engr Olajide Oduyoye, has backed the introduction of Computer Based Testing (CBT) for applicants of drivers license.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commandant, Boboye Oyeyemi, had last week announced Corps’ resolve to introduce Computer Based Testing for drivers license applicants.
Oyeyemi said the introduction of the program is to complement existing efforts of the Corps towards ensuring the standardization of driving school program that is expected to translate into producing a better crop of drivers with great knowledge of safe road use.
Reacting to this development, the LASTMA DG in a chat with Prime Business Africa, said that “any action by relevant agencies that aims to improve our driving culture, systems and attitudes are certainly moves in the right direction”.
He commended the Federal Road Safety Corps for the idea, noting that if all things go as planned, Nigeria in a short time, will be enjoying the benefits coming from the introduction of such programme.
Also speaking to Prime Business Africa on the FRSC initiative, a journalist, Abiodun Ajibade, said it is a move in the right direction, as he believes Nigeria is also joining other countries of the world who have adopted the CBT for testing drivers applying for license.
He said that if the program is properly adhered to, drivers will be properly trained which will reduce accidents and crashes to the barest minimum.
While hailing the idea, Ajibade, however, wondered if the FRSC considered the level literacy within the country and how it would affect the programme.
He said, “First of all, there are many people who cannot read and write, but with the introduction of the CBT, how would those who are not learned and cannot also use the computer cope? what is the assurance that internet will not malfunction in a country like ours where power supply and internet are inconsistent.”
Citing JAMB which had adopted the CBT earlier, Ajibade said that so many students enrolled for the examination but not all were able to take part in the examination, as some students had issues with the particular computer they were assigned to.
Since this program is a nationwide affair, Ajibade also wondered how some remote areas without electricity would be carried along.
He recalled how difficult it was for him to get captured when he applied for his driver’s license and advised that the CBT testing should be made seamless.
He urged the FRSC to make public the venues allocated for the CBT testing for drivers. “This is a kind of program that should hit the ground running and improving the process of obtaining drivers license in the country,” Ajibade added.
The FRSC also disclosed the CBT training for drivers consists of 26 classes, adding that on the last day of the training, a portal will be opened for the applicants where they will be tested with 35 multiple choice questions in 30 minutes.
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