In a bid to further ensure road safety and to make public transport more passenger-friendly, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) will launch computerised test for issuing driver’s badge for driving transport vehicles and licence for working as conductors in stage carriers.
The online computerised test, using SmartMove software of the MVD, is to replace the existing oral examination from May 1. Offices of the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) and sub-RTO can conduct tests on the lines of the test for issuing learner’s driving licence.
Applicants will have to answer 20 questions that will be randomly picked by the computer from a bank of 180 questions, State Transport and Road Safety Commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary said.
The applicants will have to score 60 per cent (12 questions correctly) to get the badge and conductor’s licence. External help will not be allowed for the 20-minute examination and the tests will be held by the Assistant Licensing Authorities.
Those clearing the test will get the badge and licence the same day. Those who fail will have to take the test again the next day after remitting the fee.
Those having Light Motor Vehicle and three-wheeler driving licence and are above 20 years will have to appear for the online badge test one year after getting driving licence if they have to drive transport vehicles.
The practice of carrying out badge test along with the licence for driving autorickshaw had been stopped in view of mounting road accidents. Henceforth, the service will be given separately as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Thus, one can appear for the badge test only a year after getting three-wheeler licence and on attaining the age of 20 years. Those appearing for the test will have to compulsorily appear for the awareness class organised by the MVD. Experts will take classes on rules and regulations, road safety, duties and responsibilities of drivers and conductors and how to be commuter-friendly.
