The Osun State Government has joined efforts with transportation sector stakeholders to address unqualified and unsafe driving on state highways.
On Wednesday, Mr. Salaam Adewale, Senior Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Ademola Adeleke, announced this initiative during the launch of a Driver’s Theory Test (DTT) event titled “Ensuring due process in driver’s licence processing.”
Adewale explained, “The test is to ensure that prospective applicants for driver’s license, after training under a certified driving school, will be made to undergo tests.
“The test also includes driving in the presence of Vehicle Inspection Officers before being allowed to be captured for the licence.”
The partnership aims to ensure only fit and qualified drivers operate on Osun roads.
“The partnership would go a long way in sanitising state roads of quack and unfit drivers endangering the lives of passengers. The Driver’s Theory Test is one of the core mandates Governor Adeleke gave to the Ministry of Transportation on assumption of office.
“Gone are the days where you can sit in your house and get a driver’s licence, not minding if you can drive a vehicle or not,” Adewale asserted.
Mr. Inyang Umoh, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Osun, commended the state government’s initiative.
He urged drivers to embrace the new process, highlighting its potential to enhance road safety for both drivers and passengers.
Umoh noted, “DTT is already operating in some states, especially in the South West. It is a good initiative and will help to checkmate drivers on highways.”
Mr. Waheed Lawal, Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, and Mr. Gbenga Aluko, Coordinator of Special Marshals, also observed that other South-Western states have adopted similar initiatives to reduce the high rate of unqualified drivers and accidents.