Information and Communication minister Karma Donnen Wangdi announced the house that no class VIII qualification will be required to get the taxi driving license during the question and answer session in on-going National Assembly.
Khatoed-Laya MP, Tenzin raised an issue over the requirement of class VIII qualification to get the taxi driving license. He said that it is imperative for the government and tourist drivers to have qualification but it is not necessary for regular taxi drivers to have class VIII qualification to get taxi driving license. He also said that reviewing and implementing the appropriate measures over the requirement of class VIII qualification will help in reducing the gap between the poor and rich.
In response, the Communication minister agreed that it is not necessary for taxi drivers to require class VIII qualification.
Lyonpo explained that before issuance of the professional driving license from Road Safety and Transport Authority, drivers are required to complete two-month professional driving course along with two tests; written test and practical test.
He added that one of the pledges of the government is to review the class VIII qualification requirement by the taxi drivers. He said that the government is discussing the matter of doing away with class VIII qualification requirement since taking the courses and two tests prove to be worthy enough. He said, “We are working towards it and we will make sure to do away for the convenience of the people.”
Minister reiterated that the government will review the requirement criteria for taxi drivers and the review will also include the nine-year term of the taxis taking into considerations about the condition of the vehicles which is not allowed by the current policy.
By Yeshi Tenzin