New changes in the driving licence test and training orders have stirred discontent among driving school owners and the general public. School owners are demanding the removal of the circular 4/2024, staging protests by abstaining from conducting driving tests and training sessions. 
 
These protests have been held in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kochi, Thrissur and Malappuram districts.According to the driving school owners, the order was issued following a unilateral decision and no discussions were taken place before implementing such changes in the structure. 

Their primary grievances revolve around the reduced frequency of tests and the requirement that training vehicles be no older than 15 years. Besides, adding GPS and cameras to all training vehicles has sparked mixed reactions among protesters.

While addressing these concerns, a representative from a driving school in Thrissur clarified that they don't oppose these regulations but need time to implement it.

"We are not against the new reforms. But we demand more time for implementation. We have not been given any training as to how to conduct the new tests, and no infrastructure has been prepared for the conduct of the new tests," Unni, a driving school owner and member of the All Kerala Driving School Owners' Association, told PTI.

On the other hand, reports state that almost 30 students who were expected to report for a driving licence test in Malappuram didn't turn up. This is likely because of the new rule; generally, 120 people come up for the test, but as per the new rule, only 30 people are allowed at a time. 

A Malappuram driving school representative also shared that currently only owners of driving schools are protesting but soon students who appear for tests will also join protest. 

The driving licence test rules were introduced in 2013 by the centre. The agitated protesters are questioning the need to implement these new changes solely for a state. At the same time, a majority of these protesters agree that reforms need to come in driving test rules, but the swift transformation that the government is expecting is creating this chaos.

A few new learners have wholeheartedly welcomed the new reforms and consider it as a good move to improve driving skills and road behaviour.

"I consider it good, and it is better for those who learn it and get a licence. The reforms are good," Nasrin, a driving school student, said.

The Kerala Motor Vehicles' Department issued a circular on April 4, 2024, amending the conditions for the driving licence test. Department will implement these reforms on May 2.

As per the circular, the applicant will have to undergo several real-life driving challenges and secure a pass to earn a licence.

The circular made it mandatory to have the road test on a road with busy traffic and to have tests on angular parking, parallel parking, zig-zag driving, and gradient testing before conducting a 'H' test on the ground. It was also mandated to have only 30 driving tests, 20 new and 10 from the earlier failed batch, per day.

As per the circular, for a two-wheeler driving licence, only motorcycles with gear pedals on the leg above 95 cc will be allowed. For four-wheeler driving test, no electric cars or automatic cars will be allowed.

(with inputs from agency)