A Lata resident who recently undertook test driving lessons.
MID Continues Rollout of Drive Tests for Provincial Centres
06/05/2025
The Drive Test Unit of the Land Transport Management Services Division, under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, is actively expanding its provincial programmes to assess new vehicle drivers across the country.
Principal Eddie Cortis, Principal Driving Examiner, said they have successfully completed driver assessments at Lata Station in Temotu Province last month.
“These examinations have been ongoing since last year, as we aim to cover other provinces.”
“Depending on if there is a demand from provincial centres, we will deploy to conduct test activities,” Mr Cortis added.
They work closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Traffic Unit in each province, particularly in areas with heavy traffic activity, to ensure thorough and safe assessments.
Mr Cortis reiterated that all assessments are conducted following strict standard operating procedures.
“While most applicants pass, some do not meet the requirements and are required to undergo additional driving lessons before reattempting the tests,” he explained.
He said they have plans to expand these examinations to other centres, including Gizo, Noro, Auki, and Kirakira.
This certification activity, which also generates revenue for the government, underscores the ministry’s commitment to promoting road safety and addressing the issue of unlicensed drivers.
The current fee for the driving test remains at $138, valid for three months, while the provisional driving licence costs only $30.
Meanwhile, the Road Transport Board Taskforce in Honiara continues its vehicle inspection operations and is on the lookout for expired vehicles, unlicensed drivers, non-standard lighting and other traffic violations as stipulated in the Road Transport Act Cap. 31, with plans to extend inspections to provincial areas in the near future.
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With photos
A female officer after undergoing drive test in Lata.
Drive test unit of the ministry work closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Traffic team in each province, particularly in areas with heavy traffic activity, to ensure thorough and safe assessments.