Old Harbour High launches driver’s licensing programme

This initiative, set to launch this 2025/26 academic year, aims to instill a sense of responsibility and road safety awareness in young drivers before they hit the road. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to become licensed drivers, the programme promotes independence, discipline and accountability, essential traits for success both on and off the road.

Speaking in an interview with Old Harbour News, Lynton Weir, principal of the South Street-based institution, shared details about the new initiative in partnership with the Institute of Vocational & Professional Training (IVPT).

“The objective of this initiative is to ensure that all our students who enter the sixth form programme leave with a driver’s license. Each sixth former must leave here with a driver’s license,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of road safety and proper training, noting that many Jamaicans lose their lives in traffic accidents due to a lack of driving skills and acknowledge.

“We have recognized that a significant number of our Jamaican brothers and sisters have died in motor vehicle accidents,” he added. “We believe that some of those deaths could have been prevented if the individuals were better equipped to maneuver their vehicles. It is our belief that everyone should go through the proper systems to become competent drivers.

The veteran educator further emphasized the institution’s commitment to producing responsible drivers, stating that improved driving habits among young people could help reduce road crashes in Jamaica.

“We want our Jamaican brothers and sisters to live as long as God intended,” he said. “I believe it’s important that, as our sixth form students leave school as pre-university individuals, we not only shake their hands and present their school-leaving certificates, but also say, ‘congratulations, you’ve done well, here is your driver’s license.’”

Students will also be asked to make a contribution toward the programme.

“At the Institute of Vocational and Professional Training, drivers have to be paid because this is a structured programme,” he explained to Old Harbour News. “Separate and apart from obtaining a driver’s license, students will also receive a certification from HEART/NSTA Trust, indicating they have successfully completed the programme. It’s something we’re very proud of and we shared it with our students during their graduation. They were all excited.”

He added enthusiastically: “It’s a piece of documentation that almost every Jamaican would want to have. You have your birth certificate, your passport, your TRN, so the next thing you need is your driver’s license.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed between Old Harbour High School and the Institute of Vocational & Professional Training to introduce a new driving programme. The agreement was subsequently presented to the school’s Board of Governors, where it received approval for implementation in September 2025.

“While we are rolling out the programme, it will include different components,” continued Weir. “This means that individuals will receive part of the training at Old Harbour High School and the other part at the training institute in Spring Village.

“There are students in fifth form who may be of the appropriate age and have shown interest in the programme. We’re not closing the door on them. But the individuals we are starting with will be the sixth formers.”

The initiative will also be extended to members of the teaching staff. Teachers with years of driving experience will be invited to serve as driving instructors, provided they first become certified through the programme. This also provides opportunities for teachers to earn some extra funds.

Principal Weir also has an important message for the students who will be enrolled in the driving programme. 

“We are the school of choice, and we want you to come to Old Harbour High School to complete your education. All you need to do is pay attention, be disciplined, obedient, respectful, and participate in the programme. At the end, we’ll be shaking your hand in congratulations and we want to celebrate your achievement,” he said with excitement in his voice.

While programme participants are required to pay a fee, the principal expressed concerns about affordability for some students; and is hopeful that other stakeholders will come on board to support an initiative and help not only our young people but make Jamaica a better place.

“I understand that there are families who may not be able to afford it. We would love for individuals to partner with us and contribute to the programme, so that students who are unable to pay can still benefit,” he said. “Those contributions could cover the cost for one or two students. For our Jamaican brothers and sisters to do well, someone has to believe in them, someone has to provide them with an opportunity. Our young people just need someone to say, ‘I believe in you, and I’m going to encourage and support you.’”