Computerized drivers test to kick off June 1 nationwide -NCCTO

First of June 2017 has been fixed to kick start the nationwide computerized driver’s test, in an effort to upgrading the manual and oral means of testing intending drivers before the issuance of vehicle licenses in Nigeria.
Speaking to the media in Abuja while inspecting the newly introduced sets of computers to be used for the drivers’ test in the Federal Capital Territory, acting chairman of the body, Alhaji Garba Abdul
Gaya, stated that the time has come when the issue of fake vehicle linceses, will be a thing of the past as the menace has adverse effect on the livelihood of the entire citizens.
“This according to the National conference of Chief traffic officers in Nigeria will reduce the menace of fake driving certificates being issued by unauthorized driving schools that give birth to unqualified
drivers across Nigeria.
As you can see with me here are the Executives of the National Conference of Directors/Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation (VIOs). We are by law the chief safety instructions in Nigeria as far
as safety on road is concern.”
He responded that the responsibilities of the VIO Nationwide, ranges from inspection, testing of vehicles to ascertain their road worthiness before being licensed and periodically to be on the road, so as not to endanger lives and properties.
On driver’s license, he reiterated that it is the role of VIOs or Road Traffic Officers to conduct theory test and practical test before referring successful candidate to FRSC for biometric capturing of the
applicant and printing of the document called drivers license is then officially issued by RTOs/VIOs.
Alhaji Garba Gaya, further emphasized, that for accident or crash to happen in were, at any time, that it involves the vehicle, the driver and the road. While stressing that crashes crashes in Nigeria are
surprisingly not mainly caused by the road, rather the vehicle and the driver.
In addition, the group through its acting chairman, pointed out that over 10 (ten) years now, the greatest numbers of accidents recorded are caused by drivers due to ill trained mechanism, leading to bad attitude. Therefore, if the drivers are properly trained and tested there will be a drastic reduction in accident rate in Nigeria.
He further stated thus, “the body of VIOs has resolved to bring back the glory of Nigerian driver’s license that is complaint with global best practices. In other climes, after successful completion of driver’s license test. It is in most cases lavishly celebrated as if a baby is delivered to the family. The body of VIOs in line with technological innovations around the world has set 1st June, 2017 as the date to switch from Oral or Written test to Computer Based test.
This test is based on the Nigerian Highway Code which is the rules governing safety and driving on the road. Majority of driver’s license holders today have not seen or read the Highway Code, yet they are in
possession of original Nigeria Drivdrs license. It is time to say enough is enough; it is time to be counted (prime and proper) on the side of safety of lives and properties. It is time to stand for progress in line with global best practices.
The body of VIOs will no longer take back seat in determining the destiny of road users. We are here united to say never again will an untested and unqualified person acquire Nigerian driver’s license
through back door.”
The time for full implementation of Computerized Drivers Theory Test cannot be more appropriate than now he decried. While considering the alarming accident, rates owing to reckless and unprofessional driving in our dear country.
He said an estimated $100 billion is being lost to road traffic crashes every year. This is almost twice the total development assistance received worldwide by developing countries.
This program he believed has also been domesticated to cater for special needs in the society. The test is available in 5(Five) Major Languages namely; Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo Pidgin and English Language. For
those who cannot read and write there is an audio devise that will take the applicant through the test.
The body, therefore call on all stakeholders, driving schools and indeed the 36 States Governors to key into the programme by making sure that the programme is given a facelift in their various states.