Kerala HC declines to issue stay on driving licence test reforms

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday refused to issue a stay on the reforms to driving licence tests proposed by the Transport Commissioner's office. The court cited that the interim reliefs requested had been declined. It postponed the hearing of the plea filed by driving school owners and associated organisations to a later date, likely to be scheduled after the holiday break. The decision is favourable for state goverment too and it can pursue reforms. 

On April 4, 2024, the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department issued a circular amending the conditions for the driving licence test, set to be enforced on May 2. However, this move was met with opposition from driving school owners, resulting in a legal dispute.

Driving school owners assert that the decision was made unilaterally without prior discussion, raising concerns primarily about the reduced frequency of tests and the stipulation that training vehicles must not exceed 15 years of age. Additionally, the requirement to equip all training vehicles with GPS and cameras has provoked mixed reactions among driving schools.

The circular mandates that applicants undergo various real-life driving challenges to pass the test. These challenges include driving on busy roads, as well as demonstrating skills such as angular parking, parallel parking, zig-zag driving, and handling gradients before undertaking the 'H' test on the ground. Furthermore, the circular limits the number of daily driving tests to 30, including 20 new tests and 10 retests from previous failed attempts.

For two-wheeler licence tests, only motorcycles with gear pedals above 95cc are permitted, while electric cars and automatic cars are excluded from four-wheeler tests.