IN Lahore, we see devastating traffic accidents that cause distress to families and communities every day. Even with the recent spike in traffic fines and efforts to improve traffic infrastructure by the government, careless driving as well as ignorance of traffic and driving laws continue to plague society.

As someone who has spent some time in Canada and holds both a Canadian and Pakistani driver`s licence, I feel that Pakistan`s process of issuing a driver`s licence is the root cause of its traffic problems. First, the traffic signs and laws test in Pakistan asks the applicants only 10 questions and they need a 50 per cent score to pass. Internationally, they are asked 20 traffic sign questions and as many traffic law questions, and they need to score 80pc in each component to pass.Thisforces everyone to study traffic laws and signs more thoroughly.

Second,the processinPakistan tests the applicants` ability to drive in an `L` shape forward and reverse directionswithout hitting the cones. This is way too simple, and does not test any traffic and driving skills and knowledge of relevant rules. Internationally, the applicants are tested for their ability to drive on actual roads, to manage blind spots, and to obey traffic lane rules.

Remaining within speed limit, parking competence, and obeying traffic signals and signs are pretty much everything a good driver should have. The difference in the difficulty level of a driver`s licence test in Pakistan and abroad is one of the underlying reasons behind the chaos we see on Pakistani roads.

The traffic police and the government should work towards revamping the process of obtaining a driver`s licence in Pakistan. This will improve road safety and overall wellbeing of the people.

Muhammad Abdullah Lahore