Driving without proper knowledge of traffic rules

By Muhammad Imran

ISLAMABAD: Driving is a skilful task that needs proper training and knowledge of traffic laws but unfortunately in Pakistan there is no proper system to learn driving.

Very few public sector schools had set up driving schools in towns and cities in the country. Most of the driving schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad lack trained staff and vehicles but they advertise that they could teach driving in 12 to 15 days.

Asad Khan, an owner of a driving school in Islamabad, said that his school charged Rs 1,600 for a 12 day-course and added that one who did not come up to the standard was asked to repeat the lesson.

He said the school taught driving to four students at the same time and they drove eight kilometres each. During classes, people learn the basics of driving that include the function of clutch, accelerator, gears and other important things.

He said, “Students who drive their own cars also, become good drivers.”

The driving schools also offered to provide driving licenses to students after paying additional charges. The school owners had links with dishonest traffic police officials and obtained licenses without the driving test. Avoiding the cumbersome process of getting the driving license, many people opt to use the school-services in getting the licence.

Muhammad Akmal, a second year student who is also learning driving, said it was good to have driving schools rather than bothering friends or parents.

“My driving instructor is very cooperative and is teaching me the basics of driving in a very friendly manner. The advantage is that I will get my driving licence through my instructor,” he said. Shakeela Anjum, a woman student at a driving school and a housewife, said the government should set up driving schools in big cities.

“There should also be women driving instructors government schools to teach women students. I am learning driving because I have to drive my children to school,” she said.

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