The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on potential drivers and their families to exercise heightened caution when selecting driving schools, amid ongoing complaints against several providers. The Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) division has reported handling 57 complaints regarding driving schools over the last three years, amounting to a total of $21,430 in disputed fees.
CEO Seema Shandil expressed her concern, noting that what should be a rite of passage for many has turned into a frustrating experience for consumers. Issues raised include instructors disappearing, lack of written contracts, withheld payment receipts, and failure to deliver the promised number of driving lessons. Particularly alarming are the reports of instructors neglecting to complete necessary workbooks and displaying unprofessional or aggressive behavior.
Shandil emphasized that these occurrences are not isolated but rather indicative of a troubling trend that could undermine consumer rights and the integrity of driver education. Consumers often find themselves in precarious situations, having spent considerable amounts without formal agreements to back their grievances, leaving them with little recourse in times of trouble.
Some driving schools, she warned, may be “taking consumers for a ride.” Thus, the Council encourages aspiring drivers and their families to thoroughly check a school’s credentials and to ensure that all agreements are documented in writing from the outset.
In response to these issues, the Consumer Council is ramping up monitoring and outreach efforts to foster fair trading practices within the driver education sector. They are also urging consumers to report any issues as soon as they arise to facilitate effective resolution. The Council is available for support through the National Consumer Helpline at 155.
This situation aligns with broader concerns within Fiji’s educational and transportation sectors regarding compliance and accountability. In recent weeks, the Land Transport Authority has taken significant strides by revoking permits for several non-compliant driving schools, a step aimed at improving the quality of driver instruction.
These combined efforts from both the Consumer Council and regulatory authorities present a hopeful outlook for safer and more reliable driving education standards in Fiji. Continued oversight and reform initiatives may not only enhance consumer protection but also ensure a more responsible driving community moving forward.
Leave a comment