DEFENSIVE driving will be a priority in the training programme for driving instructors in Brunei, following the Land Transport Department's announcement of stringent requirements to become a driving instructor.

The training programmes will be based around Megamas Training's defensive driving course, with emphasis placed mostly on risk management and safety awareness, said Mohd Roshawadin Kamaluddin, one of Megamas Training's top driving instructors.

Megamas Training signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Land Transport Department to identify and develop training programmes for driving instructors in the Sultanate.

"Our main focus is to make sure that everyone is aware of the risks involved in driving a motor vehicle and to adjust the driver's attitude to become more alert and attentive towards other people on the road," said Mohd Roshawadin.

"A lot of people get the wrong idea about our driving courses, as they think it will involve some form of stunt driving somewhere along the line," added the 16-year safety instructor.

He explained that their defensive driving courses, internationally recognised under Shell's global standards of safety, raises the awareness levels of people behind the wheel by helping them to take stock of their driving attitude and realise their own limitations.

By helping people to focus more in terms of their physical conditions, the laws governing road usage, the safety features of their vehicles and its limitations, we personally help them make sure that the person is a good driver before he or she steps into a car, he added.

"We also try to incorporate our experiences of the local attitude towards driving as well as brief and show them a few simple low risk driving techniques that can help in the event of an emergency," said Mohd Roshawadin.

In the course of his engagement with Megamas as a driving instructor, Mohd Roshawadin said he has come across many that do not even realise the safety risks that they put themselves in once they step into a car or even the laws that they are breaking when they drive on the road.

"Our job is to help the public realise what is going on around them and hopefully from there, help to produce a better driver which in turn will help to reduce the chances of traffic accidents," he added.

He hopes that with the MoU in place, they would be able to help provide a good driving education, especially in the early stages of the learning process as it is more likely to promote better awareness and understanding of the risks involved.

The Brunei Times