New institute in Kollam to tackle poor driving skills and road rage

Kollam: While many drivers possess valid driving licences, they often lack proper driving skills. Basic road etiquette is frequently misunderstood — some treat roads like battlefields, others misuse or neglect indicators, and many remain unaware of the correct use of dim lights at night. Such ignorance often results in fatal road accidents.

In cases where a licence is revoked after an accident, drivers must attend classes at the Institute of Driver Training and Research (IDTR) in Edappal, Malappuram, and submit a completion certificate to regain their licence. Until now, these classes were conducted only at the Edappal centre. However, from July onwards, those aiming to learn proper road manners and responsible driving can access these services from Kollam. A new centre of the institute is set to be launched in the city under the initiative of Track, a voluntary organisation dedicated to assisting in road accident scenarios.

The training centre will officially begin functioning once it receives 50 applications. The course will span five days, focusing on essential skills and awareness needed for safe driving. As part of the training, participants will gain detailed knowledge about the components of a vehicle and their respective functions.