Bangladesh to mandate 60 hours of training before issuing driver’s licences, says Advisor Fouzul

Bangladesh will soon require at least 60 hours of formal training for anyone seeking a driver’s licence, according to Advisor Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.

On Wednesday, the road transport advisor said the emphasis in the licensing process will shift decisively to training.

“Existing committees for issuing licences will be removed. The prerequisite for obtaining a licence will be proper training. That is why we have stipulated a minimum of 60 hours,” Fouzul said.

He added that the training programme could begin as early as next month. The government will decide which institutions are authorised to provide the training. 

Licences will be issued only through these government-approved private centres, the Bangladesh Army, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) training centres, he added.

The training will have two components: teaching drivers to understand road signs and operate vehicles safely. Physical fitness assessments and mandatory drug tests will also be part of the programme, he said.