Development of a proposed driver training curriculum for driving schools in Uganda

Abstract

The absence of a standardized driver training curriculum for the driver training schools in Uganda, has led using discrete training curriculum with most not meeting the required standards. This has not only resulted into increased accidents from the many drivers that do not have complete driver trainings but many families have been left stranded due to accidents caused by such ill trained persons. The accidents most affect members of society that are in the productive age ranges of between 18-40 year olds. In order to improve the driving behavior on the Ugandan roads a new set of standards for driving schools and instructors need to be emphasized, this has been proposed in this study. The developed driver curriculum provides a structured and detailed leaner syllabus that could be taught by driving schools. This was achieved through purposely selecting 10 driver training schools that were involved in the needs assessment study. This identified the nature and scope of the gaps inherent in these schools and a curriculum proposed to address them. The objectives of the project were achieved. The objectives of this study were to identify the gaps in existing driver training curriculum, to conduct a needs assessment for the driver training curriculum and to develop a proposed curriculum for the driver training. The methodology used included a through examination and analysis of the existing discrete curriculum (where available), interviewing the trainers and administering of questionnaires to driver instructors, learner and veteran drivers, traffic officers, novice drivers The research revealed that, many novice drivers did not have the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are needed to drive safely in the traffic circumstances they face on the Ugandan roads; in addition, many driver training schools are using outdated training curriculum or on job-trained instructors with little or no experience in training driving skills; In part this explains the countries poor, and worsening road safety record. The research findings if implemented will be able to address a number of these challenges. This is envisaged to have an improvement on the knowledge, attitude and practice that is required for drivers to be safe on the road. The Approval of the proposed curriculum by the necessary government agencies is also recommended.