Kerala driving test: Extra chances for 10 previously failed candidates per day

Thiruvananthapuram: The state has announced an increase in the number of daily driving tests, now allowing 10 candidates who previously failed. Under the new guidelines, an officer can conduct up to 50 driving tests each day.

Previously, the number of daily tests was limited to 40 after a reduction from 60 due to reforms. However, with a growing number of applicants, officials decided to ease these restrictions.

Currently, about 45 percent of candidates pass the driving test. To address the high failure rate, this special system has been created to provide a second chance for the applicants. The new testing ratio includes 30 new applicants, 10 candidates with special circumstances - such as those who have to travel abroad - and 10 candidates who have previously failed the test.

Meanwhile, frustrated by prolonged delays in Kerala's driving licence process, many Malayalis have been turning to Tamil Nadu for a speedier solution. Currently, obtaining a driving licence in Kerala involves an average wait of four months. Initially, applicants must wait about a month to secure a slot for the learner’s test. After passing this test, they then face a further delay of approximately two months to schedule the driving test. That means, an application submitted in September might not result in a licence being issued until December or January.