Mandatory training for truck drivers

The Home Affairs Ministry’s decision to curtail the widespread practice of waiving licensing requirements for motor lorry drivers marks a critical and commendable step toward improving road safety across Guyana. By insisting that all applicants for this category of licence undergo the requisite training, the ministry is taking a decisive stance to address one of the most persistent and dangerous trends on the nation’s roadways: recklessness among untrained or underqualified truck drivers.
For years, the country has witnessed an alarming rise in traffic collisions involving large vehicles, many of which could be traced to inadequate training and lack of experience. The policy of waiving the age and experience requirements, though introduced to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding construction sector, inadvertently created conditions that placed inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of heavy-duty vehicles. These massive canters and trucks, often operated by drivers barely out of their teens, have contributed to a worrying pattern of accidents and fatalities that have exacted a heavy toll on families, communities, and the national economy alike.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, in addressing this issue, made clear that such practices can no longer continue. The decision to restrict waivers and insist on proper driver training signals a policy shift that now acknowledges safety cannot be compromised for convenience or expediency. It is an acknowledgement that while economic growth demands efficiency and manpower, development cannot come at the cost of human life.
Under existing regulations, applicants for a motor lorry driver’s licence must be at least 25 years old and have no less than four years of driving experience. However, in recent years, these requirements were frequently set aside to facilitate the urgent needs of private construction companies and logistics operations. That leniency, though perhaps well-intentioned, had the unintended consequence of flooding the roads with young, inexperienced drivers operating vehicles far beyond their capability to control safely.
By reintroducing stricter enforcement and emphasising structured training, the Ministry is helping to create a new generation of competent, responsible, and safety-conscious drivers. Proper instruction will expose young drivers to the unique handling requirements, braking systems, and spatial awareness that large vehicles demand. It will also instil a deeper appreciation for defensive driving techniques and road discipline, attributes essential for navigating busy highways and urban traffic.
Such training will serve as a safeguard for public safety as well as an investment in professionalism within the transportation sector. A formalised and structured approach to truck driver education ensures that those who enter the field do so with the right skills and mindset. It elevates driving from a simple task to a trade, one that carries prestige, accountability, and technical knowledge. This professionalisation will, in turn, benefit the logistics, construction, and mining industries that depend heavily on skilled drivers to transport materials safely and efficiently.
The ripple effects of this policy will extend far beyond individual drivers. Insurance costs associated with road accidents are likely to decline, productivity will increase as goods and materials reach their destinations safely, and the burden on emergency and healthcare systems will be eased. Most importantly, the move reinforces the message that road safety is a shared responsibility, one that begins with ensuring that every driver on the road, regardless of age or occupation, is fully trained and qualified.
The insistence on proper certification also complements broader national efforts to modernise the transportation system and promote responsible driving behaviour. As traffic volumes grow alongside economic expansion, ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles are operated by well-trained professionals becomes a matter of national importance.
The move also offers a valuable opportunity for young people. While some may view the restrictions as a barrier, they should instead be seen as an invitation to pursue structured training that enhances employability and competence. With formal instruction and certification, young drivers will not only qualify to operate motor lorries legally but will also gain a competitive edge in a demanding job market that increasingly values skill and responsibility.
In the final analysis, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision represents a necessary correction to a long-standing oversight. The era of untrained youth commanding powerful vehicles must give way to one of professionalism, preparedness, and prudence. Road safety begins long before a driver turns the ignition – it begins with training, discipline, and respect for the rules that protect everyone who shares the nation’s roads.
Guyana’s future growth and safety depend on such decisive policy shifts. By emphasising training and accountability, the Ministry has set the stage for a safer, more responsible, and ultimately more sustainable driving culture.