Driving instructors can now apply to Island Traffic Authority for certification

The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) says it is now accepting applications for the certification of driving instructors, in keeping with the new Road Traffic Act and regulations.

Applicants must be at least age 24 and the holder of a driver's licence in the class they are instructing for at least two years prior to applying.

They must successfully complete a driving instructor's training programme approved by the public transportation regulator.

Upon applying to the agency, applicants should submit the completed driving instructor's application form, a police report, two character references, a medical report (Form MC1) from a registered medical practitioner, and an application fee of $15,000 to be paid at any tax office.

Driving instructors are also required to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance policy which includes coverage for the provision of driving instructions for the vehicle used to instruct students.

The requisite documents should be submitted to the authority's head office located at 145 Maxfield Avenue in St Andrew or at any of its service hubs across the island.

Documents submitted to the service hubs will then be forwarded to the agency's head office for processing.

Upon assessment and approval of the submitted documents, the applicant will receive a driving instructor's certificate, valid for five years.

In cases where the certification requirements are not fully met, a provisional certificate may be issued.

This provisional certificate allows the instructor to operate for a specified period until the full certification requirements are fulfilled.

Regulation 168 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022, states that a person shall not provide services as a driving instructor without being certified by the ITA.

Exceptions are made for certain circumstances, for example, persons offering the services of an instructor without the requirement for a fee or payment.

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