THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) is introducing a mandatory Learner Driver Course (LDC) for all Class 2 Learner Permit applicants from tomorrow (Monday).
The new requirement is aimed at strengthening driver education and improving road safety outcomes in Fiji.
LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said applicants must successfully complete the free course before they can sit the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
The course will be available at all LTA branches nationwide.
Applicants who successfully complete the course will receive an LDC Advice Slip, which must be presented before they are allowed to undertake the DKT.
Mr Rokosawa said the initiative was designed to give new drivers a stronger foundation in road safety, traffic laws, and responsible driving.
“The introduction of the mandatory Learner Driver Course reflects the authority’s commitment to ensuring new drivers begin their licensing journey,” he said.
He said the course would provide new drivers with a strong understanding of road safety principles, the P1 and P2 licensing system, show-cause proceedings, digital logbooks, responses to accidents and emergencies, traffic laws and the responsibilities that come with operating a motor vehicle.
Mr Rokosawa said driving was a privilege that carried significant responsibility.
“Before an individual gets behind the wheel, they must understand not only the road rules, but also the consequences of unsafe decisions and behaviours on the road.”
The course will cover road rules, traffic signs and signals, driver responsibilities, hazard awareness, defensive driving, and safe road-user behaviour.
Learner drivers will also be taught about the importance of sharing the road safely with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and other motorists.
Mr Rokosawa said many road crashes were preventable and were often linked to poor decision-making, inadequate knowledge of road rules and unsafe driving behaviour.
