Mandatory road code test for learner’s licence applicant

“Persons wishing to obtain a learner’s licence will now first have to visit any of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) Examination Depots to do the multiple-choice road code test, as part of the application process,” the Transport Ministry said in a statement. 

“The new process will apply to all applicants for a learner’s licence to drive and/or operate a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle.”

Outlining the new procedure in detail, the ministry said: “The completed application form, along with three (3) identical certified photographs should be submitted to the ITA depot of choice where the applicant will be allowed to take the road code test. The test will be conducted without charge to the applicant.  

“Where the applicant has passed the road code test, a notation will be made on the form and the information entered into a database shared between the ITA and TAJ. The application form will be returned to the applicant, in a sealed envelope, for him/her to submit it to the tax office of his/her choice, for the provisional licence to be processed.

“Should an applicant fail the road code test, he or she will be advised by the ITA to return on an appointed date to retake the test. Until further notice, re-sits will be without charge to the applicant.

“Provisional Driver’s Licence acquired before January 25, 2020 will remain valid until the applicable expiration date. However anyone renewing a Provisional Driver’s Licence thereafter will have to first visit an Examination Depot to sit the Road Code Test.

“Applicants who have passed the road code test and have been granted a provisional driver’s licence will not be required to re-take the road code test when applying for a renewal due to expiration or replacement due to loss of licence, but will therefore proceed to the TAJ with a completed application form and other required documents. An applicant for a provisional driver’s licence will only have to visit the ITA examination depot if he/she has not yet passed the road code test.”

Application forms will be available at all examination depots, tax offices, or from the website of the Ministry of Transport and Mining at www.mtm.gov.jm and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.