The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Cross River state has urged parents and guardians to begin training their children on road safety and responsible driving habits before they attain the legal driving age of 18.
The Principal Traffic Route Commander in charge of National Driver’s Licence, VI Section, Mrs. Grace Iwara, made the call during an interview with NEGROIDHAVEN.com in Calabar while speaking on the importance of proper driver education and licensing.
According to her, early exposure to road signs, traffic rules and safe driving practices would help reduce accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers.
“A child from 18 needs to acquire a driver’s licence, but before that, parents should teach the child how to make use of road signs and understand vehicles,” Iwara said.
She warned that allowing untrained or unlicensed children to drive poses serious risks to both families and the public, noting that accidents involving minors often have devastating consequences.
“Anything can happen when a child takes a vehicle without proper training. As parents, you will be held responsible when such incidents occur,” she added.
Iwara explained that the official driver’s licence acquisition process includes training at accredited driving schools, computer-based testing, physical and eyesight assessments, and final biometric capture by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stressing that the process is designed to ensure competence and safety on the roads.
She encouraged parents to ensure that children who are eligible to drive undergo proper training and obtain valid licences before operating vehicles.
The VIO official also called on adult drivers to regularise their licences, describing the driver’s licence as a critical document that proves a driver’s qualification and provides legal protection in the event of accidents or disputes.
She said the VIO has commenced a sensitisation campaign across the state to promote compliance with driver education and licensing requirements, as part of broader efforts to improve road safety.
