Local Instructor Sharpens Skills to Help Solomon Islanders Drive Safely in Australia

Senior driving instructor Alvin Indu has successfully completed a Certificate in Motor Vehicle Driver Training in Queensland, Australia, adding further value to his role as a key trainer for Solomon Islands seasonal workers preparing for employment in Australia.

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Mr Indu, who is a co-owner of the Solomon Islands Professional Driver Training Services (SIPDTS), completed the week-long program at the Queensland Transport and Logistics Training centre.

He described the training as highly important, noting that it served as a refresher and strengthened his capacity as the lead trainer for Solomon Islanders who will be required to drive at their workplaces overseas.

It is now a requirement by some Australian companies that recruited workers who will be driving must first undergo training at SIPDTS before deployment.

Speaking about his experience, Mr Indu highlighted that one of the most important aspects of driver training is proper hand positioning on the steering wheel.

“What are the right ways to hold the wheel — even in Australia, it is very important,” Mr Indu said.

He added that key driving skills include correct steering techniques, pedal control, and strong observation skills.

Mr Indu also pointed out differences between driving in Solomon Islands and Australia, particularly in road markings and traffic flow.

“Once you do it here, you can also do it there, except that traffic moves much quicker in Australia. When it’s time to go, you must go and not hold up traffic,” he said.

As a qualified driver in Australia himself, Mr Indu has been at the forefront in Honiara, helping Solomon Islanders understand and adapt to Australian driving standards.

He said seasonal workers trained through SIPDTS have remained accident-free and have adapted quickly to the Australian road environment.

Mr Indu and his sister Joyce Indu, the other co-owner of SIPDTS, hope the training will provide further impetus for their school to enhance its services for Solomon Islanders heading to Australia.