Kerala driving test reforms: M80s out, bikes in; automatic and electric vehicles excluded

M80s are no longer eligible for driving tests. According to the new motor vehicle regulations, to qualify for a two-wheeler license under ‘Motorcycle with gear’ the vehicle should have a foot-operated gear system. Additionally, the engine capacity must exceed 95 cc.

Until now, most driving schools used M80s with a handle-shift mechanism for driving tests. However, with new reforms effective from August 1, M80s with an engine capacity of 75 cc will no longer be used. Instead, bikes will replace them for the driving tests.

Maneuvering a bike through the eight-patterned course is significantly more challenging than on the M80. As a result, the number of people passing the two-wheeler license test is expected to decrease.

Motor vehicle inspector A R Rajesh reported that 51 out of 80 individuals passed the two-wheeler test at Kakkanad, Ernakulam on Tuesday. As it was the final test using the M80, driving school owners celebrated the occasion by bringing decorated two-wheelers adorned with garlands for the test.

As part of the driving reforms, it has been proposed that only two-wheelers with a foot-operated gear system be used for the motorcycle license test, specifically those in the 'motorcycle with gear' category. Consequently, two-wheelers with handlebar gears will no longer be allowed. Once this proposal is fully implemented, only motorcycles will be used for the test.

Vehicles with automatic gear/transmissions and electric vehicles will not be allowed for the four-wheeler driving license test. This move comes as these vehicles cannot test driving skills adequately as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Drivers who test in such vehicles are often attempting to drive manual transmission vehicles, leading to safety issues.