The Government has announced a free rehabilitation programme for drivers who were previously disqualified under the Demerit Points System.
This was revealed by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour, who said the programme is set to begin on August 18th at multiple locations: the Licensing Offices at Caroni, Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Tobago.
He pointed out that the programme targets the 706 drivers who are currently disqualified due to traffic violations.
It will be conducted over a two-and-a-half-day in-person course and includes an examination.
“The programme will be facilitated by staff of the Transport Division, with the assistance of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. This programme will be provided at no cost. Cabinet rescinded a previous Cabinet decision charging $800 for the programme. While the programme will be provided at no cost by the Licensing Authority, the other costs associated with the reissue of a driving permit would still apply.”
Minister Zakour noted that participants must schedule their attendance in advance and added that further details will be released in an upcoming press statement.
He said the initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on drivers who previously had to pay over $1,200 for similar courses at two of the approved private organisations.