7 December 2022
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announces the approval of the new Law on Driver Training (The Law on Driving Instructors and Driving Schools) by the Council of Ministers.
The new bill modernises and changes the whole philosophy of regulation. The proposed Bill introduces the following for the first time:
1. "Driver Instructor Training Schools", i.e. post-secondary institutions that will provide training and examination to prospective new driver instructors, as opposed to the current practice whereby no structured training is provided and examinations are conducted by the TOM;
2. The obligation for lifelong learning of driver trainers, at regular intervals, through Driver Trainer Training Schools.
3. The categorisation of instructors and schools according to their respective knowledge and training resources.
4. The repeal of the anachronistic regulation that prohibits a licensed and qualified instructor from providing training to a prospective driver unless he or she is engaged in this activity as his or her "principal occupation."
5. The repeal of the anachronistic regulation that prohibits a licensed and qualified instructor from providing driver training unless he has worked for a certain period of time in an existing school (i.e. the repeal of the regulation that indirectly but clearly provides a basis for a "closed profession" regardless of qualifications - this repeal is also a recommendation of the Competition Commission).
6. Abolition of the right of driver examiners (i.e. TOM employees) to become instructors automatically upon retirement, without complying with the other procedures and obligations (training and examination as instructors).
7. The introduction of a quality assurance procedure for the operation of the schools, through the obligation for them to comply with standards and/or quality assurance procedures for the provision of their services.
8. The introduction of a Code of Conduct for driver trainers.
The above changes in legislation are actions in a series of measures promoted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works to improve road safety.
(ΘΓ/ΝΓ/EΧΡ)
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