Proposal to pilot online driver training.

VietNamNet•27/08/2023

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport recently sent a document to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee proposing the implementation of a pilot project on "centralized training on a digital platform" for driver training and testing.

Explaining this, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport stated that the current method of teaching driving theory has some shortcomings and contradictions between the 2014 Vocational Education Law and the 2008 Road Traffic Law.

For example, in the case of driving schools developing driver training programs for car driving licenses (B2, C, D, E, and F licenses), the Road Traffic Law mandates in-person classes. Meanwhile, the Vocational Education Law allows for distance learning or self-study.

In response to the aforementioned shortcomings, a company with a driver training facility requested permission to implement a pilot project on "centralized training on a digital platform and a management system for driver training facilities for categories B (B1, B2), and C".

*The Department of Transport proposes a pilot program for teaching driving theory online (Illustrative image: Viet Hung)*

The project aims to pilot the teaching of theoretical driving lessons for B1, B2, and C class automobiles using a digital platform.

According to the proposal, theoretical subjects (learning time, end-of-course tests, and graduation exams) will be taught using a digital platform, including road traffic law and road structure and common repairs.

In addition, there are subjects such as transportation operations, traffic ethics and culture, prevention of the harmful effects of alcohol and beer while driving, and driving techniques.

With this format, students use computers, phones, websites, etc., to self-study and exchange knowledge with instructors and other learners at any time. This allows learners to save on tuition fees and study time, and to flexibly schedule their studies.

Prior to this proposal, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport stated that there was a legal basis for its implementation. In reality, the driving school process needs digital transformation to allow people to arrange their learning time flexibly, in line with global trends and roadmaps.

In particular, the shift to digital platforms for driving instruction is necessary to overcome existing shortcomings.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has proposed that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee send a document to the Ministry of Transport requesting approval for the pilot implementation of the project in Ho Chi Minh City. The pilot period would be two years, from the date of approval or until the Road Traffic Law is replaced.

In further discussion with VietNamNet reporters about this proposal, Dr. Khuong Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said: in the era of Industry 4.0, online training has become popular with many subjects in various fields.

While acknowledging that driver training is a conditional vocational training field due to its connection with the health and lives of road users, Dr. Khuong Kim Tao likened it to the medical field, but argued that this should not lead to rigid regulations.

Instead, students should be able to study theoretical subjects online. "This needs to be implemented on a large scale immediately, not just as a pilot program," Mr. Tao said.

According to him, what is most needed right now is for the relevant agency (Vietnam Road Administration - PV) to review the entire driver training, testing, and licensing program. Any content that is no longer relevant should be boldly removed.

“For example, consider the structure of a car. Modern cars are very advanced, and some malfunctions can only be handled by specialized maintenance facilities. Something as simple as replacing a battery isn't something a driver can do themselves; it needs to be done correctly. Or why would we need trainees to learn about intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust techniques anymore?” said Dr. Khương Kim Tạo.

In response to the question of how the organization and supervision would be handled if students were allowed to study theoretical subjects online, Mr. Tạo stated that technology would take care of it.

According to him, it's not difficult to assess and monitor students' learning. Therefore, even without attending classes in person, students must pass tests to be eligible to take the examination.

"However, I also want to point out that online learning should not be a rigid regulation, forcing everyone to learn through this method. It should be seen as an additional option for learners to choose from. This avoids situations where people in areas with underdeveloped information technology or those who don't like online learning still have the right to study online if they wish to pursue driver training," Dr. Khuong Kim Tao expressed.

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