Transport Commissioner announces overhaul of driver testing and licensing

2026-03-19 - 01:44

Jesse Ramdeo Senior Reporter jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke has announced sweeping reforms aimed at modernising driver testing, regulating driving schools, and strengthening oversight of Trinidad and Tobago’s licensing system, amid growing concerns over the efficiency and integrity of the nation’s traffic management framework. Clarke made the disclosures yesterday during a Joint Select Committee (JSC) inquiry examining the effectiveness of traffic management across several state portfolios, including transport, public utilities, housing, agriculture, marine resources, land, and works. Responding to a question from committee member Christian Birchwood about whether the current system adequately evaluates drivers, Clarke said the Licensing Division has already implemented new mechanisms to monitor permit issuance and testing procedures. “Specifically, regarding whether the current system is adequate and whether we are confident that it produces safe drivers, I must say we have implemented systems to monitor current practices in issuing driver’s licences, and we have introduced modern systems and changes to the curriculum for issuing permits,” Clarke explained. He said a major overhaul of the written regulations exam was necessary, noting the test content remained largely unchanged for years. “When I examined the regulation test, I recognised that students were still writing the same exams I took years ago. “We have updated the content, improved transparency by requiring pens, installed cameras in the examination rooms, and ensured supervisors are present,” he said. Clarke acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly subjectivity and irregularities in how tests are administered and graded. “We continue to face challenges with subjectivity and officers having access to exams. We cannot be 100 per cent certain that marking is consistent,” he noted. To address these concerns, he said the division is moving toward digitising the testing process, noting that electronic testing will reduce human interference and improve transparency. Clarke also highlighted the regulation of private driving schools as a key priority, suggesting inconsistent training standards may be contributing to road safety concerns. “More importantly, we are working on regulating driving schools,” he said, noting that policy direction from the responsible minister is anticipated. Meanwhile, Chief Traffic Engineer Adande Piggott told the committee that efforts are underway to strengthen emergency preparedness on the nation’s road network, particularly in Port-of-Spain. Piggott said a draft evacuation plan for the city has been developed and submitted to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, which is expected to play a central command role. “Traffic Management has developed an evacuation plan for Port-of-Spain. We are aware of the issues that arise during disasters or incidents on the road network,” he said, noting that while discussions on such a plan existed previously, there was no coordinated national framework. “We consulted engineers across the Ministry of Works and Transport and incorporated their input, and the proposal was also presented to the Port-of-Spain City Corporation. It is now awaiting further consultation with law enforcement,” Piggott explained. He described the document as a strong starting framework but stressed that significant work remains before full implementation. “It is a good framework at this time, but once delivered, much work remains, including aligning institutions such as schools with the national plan,” he said. The proposed strategy considers multiple emergency scenarios, including flooding, bomb threats, and other major incidents that could disrupt traffic and public safety.