It is understood that driving schools have only been able to resume operations since the fourth quarter of last year, which has resulted in many students who have already signed up for their driving licences not yet having the opportunity to take their test. The process of taking the driving test has been extended from the previous two to three months to eight to nine months.
Before the outbreak, a class could accommodate up to 50 students at a time, whereas after the implementation of strict preventive measures, only 20 to 25 students can be accommodated in a class. In terms of teaching, instructors who used to be able to take one or two students in a class at a time are now only able to teach one-on-one.
Many of the driving schools are still facing shortages of manpower and vehicles, which is one of the reasons for the long waiting period to obtain a driving licence. During the embargo, many of the country’s driving schools were losing money and were therefore forced to lay off staff to reduce overheads. Now that the demand for driving tests has increased, driving schools do not have the funds to hire instructors.
For those who are going to register for the driving test now, you should be prepared that it may take up to 2 years to wait for your turn to take the course.