THE Road Transport Department (RTD) is modernising and keeping up with the times.

It has embarked on various e-services and this clearly shows how progressive the department is in embracing technology and innovation.

Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that RTD has another transformation in store for us.

It was mentioned in the Dewan Rakyat that RTD is revamping the driving curriculum.

It is planning to use automatic-transmission cars in driving tests. However, those who opt for these vehicles for their driving tests will only be allowed to drive automatic-transmission cars and not manual-transmission cars.

This change is long overdue. Look at the statistics of cars on the road.

My guess is more than 85 per cent of these cars use automatic transmission. Next, consider all the new cars that are being sold each month. I am certain more than 95 per cent of these also use automatic transmission.

Whatever the actual statistics are, it is beyond doubt that there will be more and more such cars in the future.

New learner-drivers will invariably end up buying or driving an automatic-transmission car after they get their driving licence.

Isn’t it a paradox as we are still forcing all learner-drivers to be tested on cars with manual transmission?

Drivers of automatic transmission cars are no less skilful than drivers of manual-transmission cars.

On our ever-congested roads, automatic-transmission cars mean less fatigue and stress for the drivers.

Those who argue that automatic-transmission car drivers will not know how to drive in situations when an automatic-transmission car is not available need a reality check.

Finding a manual-transmission car on the road these days is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Let us move with the times. Many countries, for example, Australia, have been testing their learner- drivers on automatic-transmission cars for years and their road safety has not been compromised.

We should learn from such countries. I urge that this new driving curriculum be implemented as soon as possible. I am sure the public and driving schools will support this initiative. Kudos again to RTD.

N.C.T. , Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – July 9, 2009