The Rivers State sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that it will soon embark on total closure of all unapproved driving schools that are still operating in the state, so as to maintain the safety standard that is required of them.
Making this known to The Tide in Port Harcourt, Tuesday, the Head, Safety Standard and Training of FRSC Rivers State, Officer O. Amaechi said that some driving schools that have met the standards have been given approval from the FRSC headquarters in Abuja.
He said that in Rivers State, that proper education and awareness have been created with respect to the new standards and requirements for the operation of driving schools.
According to Amaechi, the FRSC Rivers State decided to delay the enforcement of the order due to the late release of official documents that are meant for approved driving schools.
He pointed out that now that the awaited documents have been released, that the enforcement of the regulation will begin any moment from June 2010, adding that the FRSC will not tolerate any further excuse for not meeting the set standards, as proper enlightentment and awareness have been created on it.
By the new standard for operations, every driving school is expected to have an office structure, road worthy vehicles that have dual control, accredited staff instructors that are trained by the FRSC as well as a course manual.
Other requirements, according to Amaechi, are provision of high way code, traffic regulation, first aid facilities, fire extinguisher and other stimulators like television, road side models, projectors, magnetic board, library and vision acuity test.
He said these requirements are the standards set from the FRSC headquarters in Abuja, that every driving school operator will have to meet.
The FRSC head of training, however, posited that those schools that have not met the standard at the first inspection could still have another opportunity for another inspection, and their names forwarded for approval.
Corlins Walter
