Driving tests in State to get tougher

Test will examine whether candidates have the ability to drive as per road condition, traffic volume

The Transport Department is planning to streamline the process for driving tests in a bid to ensure road safety.

Getting a driving licence is going to be tough soon as the procedure will be streamlined in a bid to ensure road safety and reduce road accidents.

According to Mohammed Najeeb, Deputy Transport Commissioner, Kozhikode, the new procedure is expected to come into force in the first week of March. “We have observed that the more difficult the test, the more competent drivers turn out to be. Our aim is to increase the efficiency of drivers.”

Gradient test, angular reverse parking test and ‘H’ track test will be made more effective. It will be examined whether candidates have the ability to drive as per the condition of the road and the volume of traffic. During the gradient test, it will be examined whether the candidate has the ability to apply hand brake properly, says a circular released by the Transport Department.

Road accidents

Last year, 4,149 people lost their lives in 39,329 road accidents in the State and 43,827 people were injured, as per statistics compiled by the road safety section of the Department. In 2015, 4,130 people died in 39,029 road accidents. The Department is trying to promote responsible and safe driving and the changes in driving test are part of this effort.

For example, Mr. Najeeb said, drivers are supposed to look at the rear view mirror while reversing the vehicle. “But during the test, they look at the rods placed on the track. In a real-life situation, not looking at the rear view mirror and reversing the vehicle is not a good practice. We have reduced the height of the road to ensure that the drivers reverse the vehicle only by looking at the rear view mirror.”

Driving instructors and representatives of driving schools will not be allowed near the track when the official is taking the driving test.

Paulson Joseph, Regional Transport Officer, Kozhikode, said the drivers should be in the know of good parking practices too. “There is an Institute for Drivers’ Research and Training at Edappal in Malappuram district where motor vehicle inspectors and instructors at driving schools are being trained in good driving practices,” he said.