The days of buses being driven by unlicensed drivers are over, according to the Land Transport Authority.

They are adamant that the general public can be assured of their safety on the roads.  

In years past, investigations into some of the serious road accidents, including those involving buses, have revealed a disturbing number of unlicensed drivers.

However a spokesperson for L.T.A. said they are intent on making sure that anyone who’s behind the wheel, is a registered license holder.

“Otherwise, do not even think of touching the wheel if you don’t have a license,” he warned. 

The specific age for a person to be able to drive a bus, according to Section 36 (2A) which has been is 25 years of age and over.

The driver must have also held a private drivers license for six months.

And to further push the message home, owners of buses are fined if it is confirmed they are employing a driver without a drivers’ license.

“The owner has a responsibility to ensure that the person he employs as a driver has a drivers license,” said the spokesperson.  

The L.T.A. is active everyday on the roads, especially in the morning, on point duty to ensure that the rules for traffic and pedestrians are being followed.  

“Authorized Traffic Officers (A.T.O.s) work together with the Ministry of Police in enforcing road rules.

It is included in the normal duties of A.T.O.’s to check licenses of all drivers of cars and buses, the spokesperson said.