A Special Committee on National Policies in Gordon House is now examining and attempting to put forward solutions to the driver's licensing system in Jamaica.
The discussion is based on a private members motion in the Upper House brought by Senator Imani Duncan-Pryce.
Director of the Island Traffic Authority, Paul Clementson outlined to the Committee the many unresolved challenges faced by the agency.
One of the recurring problems is the illegal black market that issues largely PPV driver's licences.
Mr. Clementson says the Traffic Authority which issues Certificates of Competence is competing with the illegal underground system that has resulted in unqualified drivers on the road.
He says he believes that the parallel black market is thriving because the Traffic Authority has become stricter in its issuing of certificates of competence, including not issuing to persons who are unable to read.
Mr Clementson says there is now a proposal for a Graduated Driver's Licence System that involves three stages over 18 months, for a person to qualify for a driver's licence from the Inland Revenue Department.
He says the Traffic Authority under his watch will not stray from the checks and balances to protect legal motorists and pedestrians on the roads.
In the interim he says the Authority through the police division will double efforts to catch illegal drivers.
So far 135 persons have been arrested and charged for operating a motor vehicle with fraudulent drivers' licences.
Seventy were convicted and there are 25 cases pending.
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