Why can't the Government ensure that all who receive a driver's licence can read, using a three-step process?

One of the surest ways for developing countries to advance is to leap-frog with the help of the latest technologies.

Scenario: I would like to get a driver's licence as I am over 18 years of age and looking for a job, and I would like to take advantage of all available opportunities.

My first options should be to get an application form either online, from the Tax Office, or from the post office to apply for a provisional driver's licence.

The form should be completed and sent to the Transport Authority with all the necessary information as per the application form, including a processing fee.

Safe operating

After two weeks, the applicant should receive a provisional driver's licence with his or her photo superimposed on it. Along with the provisional driver's licence, there should be other information instructing learner drivers on vital facts about the importance of safely operating a vehicle.

Now that I have my 'learner's', it's time for me to borrow from the library or invest in the latest book on road codes. This could be printed and sold by the Government or the rights given to a few private companies to do so in various formats.

As soon as the provisional driver's licence holder feels that he or she is competent enough, he or she can book a test online or at the transport office closest to his or her place of residence. The test should be computer-based and consist of random questions from a bank of hundreds of questions. A certificate of pass or fail should be automatically generated with a unique number as soon as the time allowed for the test has expired.

Eliminate corruption

Finally, this number is used to book a test at one of the depots.

This will not eliminate the corruption of paying individuals for their licence, but should go a far way to ensure that most license holders can at least read before driving on our roads.

The rest of the problem could be helped by a general fostering of values and morals, along with the underutilised benefits of sting operations.

The minister should set a deadline for this project to be implemented in no less than six months, since all the technologies are there for this to be swiftly done.

I am, etc.,

GARNETT WAITE

iamgarnete@yahoo.com