MVD under fire for exempting KSRTC driving school trainees from automated testing track

Thiruvananthapuram: The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has come under criticism for exempting KSRTC driving school trainees from the mandatory automated driving test track, raising allegations of bias. Generally, all applicants appearing for a driving test at the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Transport Office (RTO) are required to take the test at the fully computer-controlled driving track in Muttathara. The system, introduced as a model testing track, ensures transparency by eliminating external interference and favouritism.

However, in a departure from this protocol, KSRTC driving school trainees undergo test at a dedicated track in Anayara, where officials manually assess their performance instead of using the automated system. While in areas where the MVD does not have a dedicated testing track, tests are conducted at rented locations, all candidates from a particular office are typically tested on the same track.

No official government order has been issued granting special testing provisions for KSRTC. As a result, driving license applicants at the Thiruvananthapuram RTO are now subjected to two different types of driving tests—one requiring the automated track and another exempting it for KSRTC trainees. 

The Kerala High Court had earlier ruled in a case filed by private driving schools that a uniform testing method should be followed for all candidates.

The government, however, justifies the decision by stating that KSRTC driving schools offer scientifically structured training methods. Critics argue that bypassing the automated testing track is a move to increase the pass percentage for KSRTC trainees.

Departmental inquiry initiated
Meanwhile, a departmental inquiry has been launched into allegations that a Motor Vehicle Inspector deliberately failed a KSRTC driving school trainee. The Assistant Transport Commissioner has been assigned to lead the investigation. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar raised this concern in the state assembly recently.