ITA and JCF Clarify Regulations Pertaining to Driving Instruction

The Island Traffic Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force are seeking to clarify the regulations pertaining to driving instruction in Jamaica, following recent media reports which state that only certified driving instructors and licensed driving schools can teach persons to drive.

Regulation 168, paragraph 2 (d) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2022, explicitly states that: “A person who provides the services of a driving instructor without the requirement for a fee or payment shall not be required to be certified under this part.” This provision includes parents or guardians who wish to teach their children to drive.

However, persons or institutions offering driving instruction services for a fee or payment must obtain the necessary certification and licence from the Island Traffic Authority, pursuant to regulation 168.

While certified instructors and licensed driving schools offer formal training, the law does not prohibit parents or guardians from offering instruction, as long as no financial compensation is involved and the level of training meets road safety and competency standards.

It is important to note that any training provided, whether by a certified instructor or a parent, is thorough enough to prepare the learner to meet the required standards to pass the Road Code, yard and road tests.

We acknowledge that there may have been some confusion regarding this aspect of the law and wish to reiterate that persons who experience issues on the road should take note of the individual stops and report the matters themselves to the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch or the Inspectorate and Professional Standards

Oversight Bureau of the Jamaica Constabulary Force via email at psteb@jcf.gov.jm and iprob@jcf.gov.jm, respectively.

We encourage all prospective drivers and instructors to abide by all other provisions of the law as it relates to operating on the nation’s roadways.