Boot camp ready for PUV drivers

Better late than never.

From now on, drivers of jeepneys, taxis, buses and transport network service units must attend lectures on road rage, anger management, traffic signs and driving courtesy before they can renew their licenses.

The training is free, but drivers have to get a minimum grade of 75 percent to pass the exams. Passers will be given an ID, which has a one-year validity.

To help professionalize the public transport sector, the Department of Transportation launched the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Drivers’ Academy at the main office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Quezon City on Thursday.

Around 100 PUV drivers participated in the initial one-day training seminar, during which they were lectured on basic road safety, driving courtesy, traffic rules and regulations.

They were also reacquainted with traffic and directional signs.

Certificates of completion were given to the drivers who attended the seminar conducted by instructors and resource persons from the LTFRB.

License, franchise renewal

The LTFRB said it would be requiring PUV drivers to present or submit the certificate for the renewal of their licenses and franchises.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed the establishment of the academy to provide PUV drivers with seminars and training to refamiliarize them with basic road safety, driving courtesy, and traffic rules and regulations, according to Transportation Undersecretary Thomas Orbos.

At the launching ceremony, the undersecretary for road transport said it was imperative that all PUV drivers follow basic road rules and know the various traffic signs to be able to bring their passengers to their  destinations safely.

“We have to make sure that all PUV drivers on the road know these traffic regulations in order to avoid accidents and to also ease the traffic situation on our thoroughfares,” Orbos said.

He said Tugade wanted the academy to become a  venue where PUV drivers would be reminded of the basic traffic rules and regulations.

“But this time they should learn it by heart as thousands of public transport commuters depend on them,” Orbos said.

Replicated nationwide

The seminar was replicated in LTFRB regional offices nationwide.

The LTFRB, Land Transportation Office and other partner institutions signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of the academy last month.

The academy will train both current and would-be drivers using four modules over two sessions a week. If the driver fails a certain module, he will have to retake it.