Tough driving test

I would like to raise some awareness regarding the new ADT driving licence testing. Since it was established on May 1 this year, I have heard nothing but complaints from motoring students who have gone through this horrendously expensive and frustrating experience.

The test used to be extremely easy; one could pass it without having the basic driving skills. I am totally against that, as unskilled drivers were being let loose on our roads. Now new drivers are obliged to undergo this new, 'improved' test.

Prospective drivers who take this test often fail many times, since the examiners are being extremely tough on them and have absurd standards. Sometimes, before the candidate takes the test, he or she is asked to sign a declaration form to accept the examiner's decision! The test itself costs over Lm25, not including previous registration fees. Lml0 is paid to the ADT, while the rest is paid to the instructors, who also charge for extra lessons between tests.

Instructors don't even dare to protest, as their permits might be withdrawn, as happened with a particular instructor who thought better and fought for his rights.

I believe that this is a rip-off. This is causing unnecessary hardship and stress on potential drivers, and I have heard of cases where drivers who failed the test repeatedly have started driving without a licence, to the detriment of everyone involved.

I think that the way drivers are assessed should be investigated by the Ombudsman or the Police Traffic Division, to make sure that the ADT is not postponing passes in order to rake in more money from these drivers. Or else, the ADT itself should investigate what's wrong with the system, since the majority of prospective drivers fail.