Students are now required to explain the basics of car maintenance. The National Association of Driving Schools (NADS) justified this new component by saying students need to understand how to maintain their cars if they want to drive them on the country’s roads.

Since the addition of this component, NADS PRO Kingson Jean says the association is noting an increase in failures.

“All of us are teaching what is expected for the “Show Me, Tell Me” component of the practical exam. As a matter of fact, many have failed as a result of that being added to the practical exam,” Jean said. 

Despite this, he says, the association will leave this component as it will produce more competent drivers.

“For one thing, it’s a minor fault. It’s not that difficult to learn and once you have learned it, it’s not something that you’ll forget. We have taught it to them a couple of times before the exam so they know what to do when the exam comes along.”

The PRO says poorly maintained vehicles cause collisions along the motorways.

“If vehicles are not maintained properly... it will cause collisions which will cause traffic back up due to (them) breaking down, so this is a very good initiative from the Ministry of Transport, particularly the Examination Unit,” Jean explained.

In the recent past, Jean said, students are unable to use simple parts of a car.

“[They don’t know] how to use different gadgets in the vehicle, for example putting on the rear demister, putting on the headlights and things of that sort, we think that's also a very great idea because some students wouldn't learn to drive in the day and as a result, they never really get to use the lights properly or as often as they should. Some drive and it never rains (when) they're driving so they don't really know how to use the wiper blades.”

Road safety usage has been a major issue in Saint Lucia from daily minor fender benders to several road fatalities which some believe accounts for the increase in vehicle premiums.