Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has decided all driving license applicants have to complete a road safety training from a relevant institution.
Speaking to the media about the programmes to be conducted in 2020, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula said efforts are underway to compile an action plan to reduce the number of road accidents and loss incurred thereof.
Under the current regulations, driving licenses are issued after completion of a test in theory and practice to evaluate the applicant's knowledge on the rules governing road safety. Henceforth, licenses would be issued after completion of a safety training conducted by police or an authorised body.
Minister Nahula stated the purpose of such a training is to raise awareness of drivers on road safety and to keep in mind the risks involved in reckless driving. She said the ministry has decided to put up sign boards on highways and link-roads to raise awareness on road safety.
The transport ministry launched a road safety campaign in 2019, citing the increasing number of road accidents and public concern over the matter. Statistics by Maldives Police Service indicates many accidents are caused due to traffic violations by license holders as well.