To achieve this ambitious goal, the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) drew up a broad strategy designed to radically improve driving standards concurrently with the upgrading of roads, traffic management and the provision of technical assistance in creating and maintaining effective enforcement systems.

It is only when one looks at the number of Traffic Injury Accidents that occurred between January and March over the span of the last three years, can one appreciate the urgent need for drastic decisive action (see table 1).

Revised Regulations

As a first step, it was necessary to introduce appropriate legislation to ensure that new drivers had the required level of both theoretical and practical driving skills to meet present road conditions and traffic density and that such skills are properly tested prior to the issue of any category of driving licence.

The new legislation covers a diversity of safety-related topics as well as making it obligatory that prospective drivers, whatever the vehicle category, must sit for a compulsory theory test in addition to a practical driving test, specifically aimed at addressing and enhancing not just practical driving skills, but also behavioural aspects.

Moreover, the issue of a driving licence now coincides with the introduction of a penalty points system, whereby prospective new drivers who pass their tests will be issued with a probationary licence valid for a period of three years. During this three-year probationary period, drivers are liable to have their licence revoked should they accumulate more than 12 penalty points, the latter being directly related to specific driving contraventions.

Training the trainers – Courses for Driving Instructors

In order to assist licensed driving instructors to meet the requirements laid down by the new regulations, the ADT organised a number of courses designed to improve the instructional ability of established driving instructors and bring to their attention the various operational changes in the regulations that will essentially result in improved driving standards and, as a consequence, increased safety on our roads.

The courses also served to highlight the importance of the professional driving instructor’s role and valuable contribution that each and every driving instructor can make towards ensuring the future well-being of all road users in Malta and Gozo.

Four main areas were covered, namely: Amendments to the Law, Essential Driving Skills, The Theory Test, and The Test of Skills and Behaviour (Practical Driving Test). Each area was dealt with in detail, particularly the content of the two tests. It was deemed essential that instructors were made aware of the standards required and that it was important to teach prospective new drivers to drive properly as opposed to just teaching them enough to pass the relevant tests.

The training of their pupils must be thorough and appropriate to the new standards if any real progress was to be made and that all new drivers are properly prepared to meet the day-to-day safety challenges demanded by our roads.

The Theoretical Test

A comprehensive Theoretical Test was introduced in Malta as from 1 January of this year. The theoretical part reflects not only the various aspects as covered in the Highway Code, but also the various statutory requirements. The test involves the answering correctly of a number of questions relating to road traffic regulations, in particular road signs, road markings, signals, road priority and speed limits.

A number of questions relate to the driver such as the importance of alertness and of attitude to other road users; hazard perception, judgment and decision-making, especially reaction time, as well as changes in driving behaviour due to the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicinal products, state of mind and fatigue.

Several questions relate to the road craft, including the most important principles concerning the observance of keeping a safe distance between vehicles, braking distances and vehicle response under various weather and road conditions.

The Theory Test is presented in a user-friendly computerised “touch screen” format and has, to date, proven itself very easy to use in practice. As with every aspect of the new driving test, one has to prepare well to pass the theory test. Details of Candidates’ performance during the period 1 January to 30 April are reproduced in table 2.

It was noted that most candidates found difficulty in answering questions relating to the handling of a vehicle in adverse weather conditions and when it came to answering questions about general safety and vehicle maintenance. This statistical information is passed on to driving instructors who are then in a better position to adjust their training provision accordingly.

The Practical Driving Test

The new Test of Skills and Behaviour (Practical Driving Test) came into force on Monday 3 May.

Applicants sitting this test must demonstrate their capacity to drive on various roads and in varying traffic conditions in complete safety. The full test takes between 35 and 45 minutes for light vehicles and between 55 to 60 minutes for large vehicles. The examiner conducting the test is required to follow very strict operational procedures and must record the details and outcome of the test on a specially designed test form. Pass or fail, the candidate is always offered a debrief and a copy of the test report.

The test starts with the applicant being asked to explain and/or perform a random check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety, such as checking the condition of the tyres, engine oil levels, brake fluid level, coolant level, lights and direction indicators.

The main body of the test will be actual driving on a pre-determined route. Test candidates will also be required to carry out a selection of special manoeuvres which will include a Controlled Stop (emergency stop), moving off at an angle, hill start, reversing into a parking bay set either parallel to the kerb or 45 degrees or 90 degrees to the kerb and also a Turn in the Road (similar to the old three-point turn).

Applicants will be tested on their behaviour in traffic and will be required to perform a number of actions in normal traffic in complete safety and most importantly taking, all necessary precautions. These may include:

• driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic, exiting a drive way;

• driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles including in confined spaces;

• driving round bends;

• crossroads: approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions;

• changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes;

• approach/exit of dual carriageways or similar;

• overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate);

• special road features (if available): roundabouts, bus stops, pedestrian crossings; driving up-/downhill on long slopes;

• taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

Applicants for motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles will be required to carry out manoeuvres specific to the type of vehicle.

All prospective candidates are well advised to purchase a copy of the Highway Code and study its contents in detail. The Highway Code (in Maltese and English) is available from Hall C at the Licensing and Testing Directorate and also from the Malta Transport Authority. It is also advisable for all licensed drivers, whatever their age or experience, to read the Highway Code from time to time.

Should applicants require further information with regard to the Theory Test and/or the Practical Test, they may contact the Customer Care Desk within the Licensing and Testing Directorate to obtain the necessary information on freephone 8007-2309.

This feature was prepared by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT).

Further information may be obtained from the Theory Test Centre, 104, Guardamangia Hill, Guardamangia. Tel: 2122-7190.