Why you are likely to fail a refresher driving test

Last week, the National Transport and Safety Authority started retesting all drivers of commercial vehicles and public service vehicles.
According to the NTSA, the re-test is required for drivers of commercial and public service vehicles and is a requirement for renewing driving licenses with the class endorsement(s) 83, D1, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE, and CD2.
These groups include matatu, taxi, and commercial and school bus drivers.
Experienced drivers’ skills and knowledge can be updated and improved through refresher driving courses.
People who have been driving for a while and wish to stay current on the most recent traffic laws, rules, and driving methods will find these courses to be especially helpful.
But it happens frequently in Kenya for some drivers to fail these refresher courses. This week’s Motoring segment of The Standard examines the potential causes of drivers’ retest failures and sheds light on the difficulties they may encounter.
Overconfidence and complacency
One of the main reasons drivers fail refresher driving classes, according to Michael Kiarie, an official at the Authority’s vehicle inspection center on Likoni Road in Nairobi, is due to complacency and overconfidence.
Experienced drivers frequently feel at ease behind the wheel and think they are driving experts, according to him.
This way of thinking might cause inattentiveness throughout the class and a failure to learn new material or skills. Drivers who believe they have mastered the necessary skills may downplay the value of brushing up on their knowledge.
Problem adjusting to new technologies
Modern vehicles now contain a number of innovative features and systems thanks to advancements in automotive technology.
“Today’s automobiles come equipped with cutting-edge features like collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings, among others. Drivers who received their training in the 1980s and 1990s may find it difficult to comprehend and use these technologies successfully if they haven’t been exposed to them or have just had limited experience with them,” Kiarie continued.
 Inadequate knowledge of new traffic laws
Traffic laws and regulations change over time to account for shifting road conditions and improve safety. Drivers who don’t keep up with these changes may find it difficult to learn the new legislation during the refresher session.
Due to this ignorance, students may make mistakes during the course, such as giving the wrong answers to hypothetical questions or failing to show that they comprehend the most recent traffic regulations.
These technologies are frequently covered in refresher courses, so drivers who have a hard time adjusting may not be able to use them proficiently.
Resistance to change
Those who have been driving for a while could be reluctant to adapt. Updated driving methods or different strategies for dealing with particular scenarios are frequently covered in refresher courses.
“Some seasoned drivers have shown reluctance to adopt these new techniques, adhering to the tried-and-true ways they have been driving for years. This resistance may make it more difficult for them to complete the course we advise,” the NTSA representative added.
Lacking exposure and practice
When taking a refresher course, even experienced drivers who frequently encounter particular driving circumstances or scenarios may run into difficulties. For instance, people who typically drive in urban regions could find it difficult to master country or highway driving tactics.
Similar to this, drivers who have not practiced defensive driving techniques or parallel parking may find it challenging to complete these activities successfully during the training. Failure may be influenced by a lack of experience and training.
The initiative to reexamine all commercial and public service vehicle drivers was issued by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.