What is the Professional Driver Training Uganda (PDTU) project?
The Professional Driver Training Uganda (PDTU) project was launched in July 2017. It is an initiative aimed at building the capacity of Heavy Goods Vehicles and Passenger Service Vehicles;
The project is implemented by GIZ E4D/SOGA – Employment and Skills for Eastern Africa, Safe Way Right Way and Transaid with support from industry partners, and in partnership with the Ugandan Government;
It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
The PDTU project has three main objectives: [/paragraph]
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- To train Ugandan drivers in C (medium trucks), CE (heavy trucks) and DE (buses) class licenses under the East African Community standardized curriculum.
- To increase the number of skilled drivers for Heavy Goods Vehicles and Passenger Service Vehicles;
- To improve road safety in the country.
Who is the training targeting?
- The training aims to upgrade the skills of drivers wishing to drive Passenger Service Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles.
What are the minimum qualifications required for drivers to be admitted for the training?
- A person who wishes to extend his or her driving permit to cover an additional group of motor vehicle shall meet the following requirements:- For an extension from group B motor vehicles (cars) to group C motor vehicles (medium trucks), the driver shall have held a driving permit for group B motor vehicles for a period of not less than one year, and shall be at least twenty five years of age;
- For an extension from group C motor vehicles (medium trucks) to group CE motor vehicles (heavy trucks), the driver shall have held a driving permit for group C motor vehicles for a period of not less than one year, and shall be at least twenty five years of age.
- For an extension from group C or D motor vehicles (medium trucks and minibuses) to group DE motor vehicles (buses), the driver shall have held a driving permit for group C or D motor vehicles for a period of not less than five years, and shall be at least twenty five years of age.
What are the benefits of the training?
- The PDTU project is a strategic intervention aimed at responding to anticipated high and increasing demand for qualified commercial drivers in Uganda in coming years. It is envisaged that transport and logistics companies serving oil and gas infrastructure projects and other large scale investments will hire over 2000 new drivers. Benefits of the training will include:
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- Increased skills
- Increased employability
- Opportunity for higher pay
- Job progression/promotion
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Will drivers who hold East African Community permits be considered eligible?
- For license acquisition, they would need to hold a valid Uganda license. For just undergoing training then any license valid for use in Uganda would be acceptable. However, the 50% discount is reserved for Ugandan nationals.
Will it be possible to help the drivers process the next license?
The training is in itself a step in the process of driver license extension. However, to actually obtain the license, a successfully trained driver will have to go through the official and regular procedures as provided for in Uganda’s policies and regulation.
What are the costs involved?
- The training cost for individuals is UGX 1,000,000 for a three weeks training, however currently we are offering a 25% discount.
- Training for corporate clients is available on demand and can be tailored according to the clients’ needs. Costs may vary according to the required services, number of individuals trained, duration of training and provision of training vehicles and materials.
- Women are currently being trained for free.
Where should the payments be done?
- All payments will be done in the bank. Please contact Safe Way Right Way directly for bank details
Is it possible to do part payments?
- Yes – Payments can be made in installments in advance and paid into the bank account. Once the total amount has been paid the driver is eligible to participate in the training
If a driver has all the classes of the license and has been driving trucks and just needs a certificate, will there be a reduced price?
- No, but the training will be suitable for someone with the license but with limited experience.
How long will the training last?
- The training for every batch of drivers that is registered will last for up to Ten Days (Week Days). This, however, could go on longer if a driver does not pass tests administered to the required standards. Extra costs for extended training will depend on additional time and requirements.
How can one join the program?
- Contact 0702 745 745 or email us on info@safewayrightwayug.org