Motoring schools should be supervised

Can somebody at the Transport Authority (ADT) explain why the driving test has to be so difficult and expensive? ADT may argue that it is not its responsibility to oversee the way our local motoring schools operate. But the average citizen might argue otherwise.

A similar comparision could be drawn with state, Church and private schools whose operations -curriculum, fees, etc. - are overseen by the education authorities.

These motoring schools should likewise be overseen by the relevant authority.

Why is it that as soon as one joins one of the 36 local motoring schools one is likely to be ripped off? What skills and what level of competence must be reached to enable one to pass the driving test? Should the ADT not publish some information regarding these skills and the level of achievement normally required to pass?

This would enable students to judge their own driving standards. What are the real charges one has to pay for taking the test? I am informed that the ADT charges €23 for the test, so why do some schools charge up to €70 for each test? To top it all the ADT leaves it up to the driving school to decide when and whether the learner can take the test.

Most of us have sat for exams which are more difficult than a driving test. For such examinations it is only up to the 'daring' student to judge his level of preparation and decide to take the test and pay the relevant fees.

This, however, is not the case with a driving test. A driving student cannot submit his application as he deems fit.

This alone is putting prospective drivers at a great disadvantage and leaves them completely at the mercy of the motoring school, which continues to take their money for months on end, often to the tune of around €800, for a simple driving licence.