RECOMMENDATIONS

Driver Training Needs

• It is understood that the loss of human life is invaluable. The quality of training should not be compromised since the cost of it is negligible in comparison.
• Definition of a "driver" in the Road Traffic laws must be done in due accordance of the presence of the road user category.
• In a country where there is a predominance of such vehicles on the major roads, "Drivers and Riders" must also include steerers of the non-motorised vehicles.
  They have a liability to be trained
• Learning and sharing between developed and developing countries should be perceived as a human obligation

Training Methodology Testing & Assessment

• While the tools and systems of training and assessment may be different for different socio-economic, cultural, educational and geographic backgrounds, the output of driver preparedness must be of consistent standard. Monitoring and ensuring consistent standards is imperative for effectiveness.
• Higher standards of testing would ensure achieving higher standards of training and consequently safer road use.
• Use of advanced technology will help deliver uniform and consistent standards in driver training.
• Driver training and assessment must be need specific - for e.g. taxi drivers, hazardous material transporters, heavy vehicle drivers in hilly regions etc.
• Driver training systems must be constantly evaluated and redesigned to optimise efficiency.
• Practical training under all possible road environment conditions followed by assessment using advanced technology should be the norm.
• Hazard perception should be a part of driver assessment.
• While attempts of acceptance and implementation of EU norms regarding automobile pollution control has been made by India, a similar effort in implementation of Driver Training systems is urgently required to enable drivers confirm to international levels of competence.

Instructors and licensing authorities

• Driving instructors must be accorded a professional status.
• Eligibility criteria to qualify as a professional driving instructor must be clearly defined.
  
• Syllabus for driver instructors must be elaborately defined
  
• Driver trainers and instructors must undergo periodic up gradation/certification to acquaint them with the technology of newer vehicles as well as with good practices and research.
  
• Recognition must be granted to the institutions that impart specialized training to these instructors and where regular ongoing research is undertaken. International applications should be encouraged.
  
• Licensing authorities must ensure that those officers involved in driver testing should undergo similar training as specified for instructors.
  
• Training costs to impart comprehensive and standardized driver training can be relatively expensive for drivers in developing countries. The auto industry should undertake a shared responsibility to train drivers of vehicles sold by them particularly. The cost of such training may be included in the cost of their vehicles

Special training needs

• The perception is that riders of two- wheelers do not require training, is erroneous as due to the innate instability of the vehicles. Such riders are more vulnerable, which implies that specific training is needed for safe driving of two-wheeled vehicles.
  
• Non motorized drivers plying on arterial and major roads should also be trained in road laws and the hazards of the road
  
• More consistent and long term support is necessary for the young learner driver
  
• Taxi drivers and tourist vehicle drivers must be trained in map reading skills
  
• Structured post licence refresher courses are essential especially for heavy vehicle drivers, drivers of vehicles used for school transportation and hazardous goods.
  
• Fleet owners must take on the responsibility of providing their drivers with refresher training courses
  
• Disabled drivers need specialized training on their specially equipped vehicles, as they are vulnerable road users.

Role of Government

• Governments should have governing role rather than a performing role in driver training
  
• Governments must ensure that traffic control devices & systems must be uniform the world over to establish standard driving practices.
  
• Technical Institutes in developing countries could institute professional courses in driver training
  
• Issuance of driver's licence without proper testing should attract the highest penalty for the testing agency as well as for the holder.
  
• Financial incentives should be given to professional driving training institutions in the initial gestation period in order to encourage entrepreneurs to establish standardized driver training centers.
  
• Govt of India should make an amendment in Rule 24 of the Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 to ensure certification of trainers/ instructors

Role of NGOs/ Corporate Sector

• Insurance companies need to recognise the value of professionally trained drivers and the reduction in accident incidents with corresponding savings in insurance claims. Participation and support of Insurance companies in Driver Training is emphasized.
  
• Governments should involve the private sector including non-governmental organisations in driver training and assessment
  
• In developing countries, medical health checkups relevant to driving are very essential and the responsibility could be shared with non governmental institutions
  
• The non-governmental sector is ideal for energising technology transfers.

GOA DECLARATION OF 16th November 2002
On DRIVER AND MOTORCYCLE RIDER TESTING AND TRAINING

BACKGROUND

This conference accords equal value to human life across the world. Every year globally 1.2 Million die and 20 Million are seriously injured in road crashes.

- Killing people on the road is unacceptable
- A driving licence is a privilege, not a right and must be earned
- Everyone has a role in reducing accidents
- Road crashes will soon be the main killer of young people
   throughout the world
- There is proof that progress is possible in every country;
   it is the political will that is missing