Thiruvananthapuram: In a move aimed at reforming driving tests amidst opposition from driving school owners, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has issued instructions to proceed with the tests using hired vehicles if necessary.

The officials are authorised to hire vehicles for driving tests, giving priority to applicants willing to participate.As per the Minister's directives, private vehicles can also be used for the tests. Applicants who have received pre-booked slots should appear for tests from Friday onwards. If not, the slots will be given to others.

Only those who have pre-booked their test times are currently being granted the opportunity. The majority of applicants are booked through driving schools. However, other individuals who wish to participate in the test are unable to do so due to the unavailability of allotted time slots in the software. To address this issue, a software update will be implemented. Additionally, a list of volunteers, who would like to appear for the test, will be compiled. If individuals, who had previously committed to a test time, fail to appear, their slot will be offered to others. Also, KSRTC locations will be utilised for driving tests in areas lacking adequate land for testing purposes. 

A panel appointed by the Supreme Court had suggested revising the test to foster a better driving culture in Kerala, which is grappling with increasing road accidents. Consequently, a special committee was formed to submit recommendations aimed at reducing road accidents. Minister Ganesh Kumar emphasised the importance of adhering to High Court orders and instructed the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to ensure police protection during tests.

The Minister also held that no relaxation cannot be given as the number of tests per day is set as per the Central norms. The number of tests has been maximised, and the current reform measures have been approved by the High Court. 

He clarified that the distribution of licenses flouting the norms cannot be accepted. He also instructed the officials to take legal action against those obstructing the testing process. The driving test, which has not been conducted since May 2, was halted on Thursday as well due to the opposition from driving school employees.

M80 can be used

The requirement of motorcycles for the two-wheeler driving test (in the gear section) has been relaxed for three months, allowing the use of manual gear shift vehicles including M80.