Fiji Introduces Mandatory Driver Course to Curb Accidents

Fiji is enhancing its driver licensing system by introducing a mandatory road safety training course for all new drivers. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will launch the Learner Driver Course for Class 2 Learner Permit applicants from next Monday, aiming to significantly reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

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Many crashes are preventable and often caused by poor decision-making and limited understanding of road safety.

LTA Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa stated that all learner applicants must complete this course before they can take the Driver Knowledge Test. The training will be provided free of charge at LTA branches across the country. Its curriculum is designed to ensure that new drivers gain a thorough understanding of road rules, hazard identification, defensive driving techniques, accident response procedures, and their overall driving responsibilities.

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The requirement is intended to build safe driving habits from the beginning of the licensing process, before drivers take to the road.

Rokosawa emphasized that many accidents are preventable and often stem from poor decision-making and a lack of road safety knowledge. This new requirement is intended to instill safe driving habits from the very beginning of the licensing process. The course will also complement Fiji's forthcoming two-tier provisional licensing system, where novice drivers will progress through P1 and P2 stages before earning a full license. Drivers committing traffic offenses during their provisional period will face delays in advancing, and repeated offenses could lead to license suspension and the need to restart the entire process.

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The changes aim to create safer, more responsible drivers and strengthen road safety across Fiji.