Kochi: The Kerala High Court has quashed the recent reforms introduced by the State Transport Commissioner regarding driving license examinations, siding with a petition filed by driving schools.

The petitioners argued that the reforms were arbitrary, impractical, and beyond the state’s authority, particularly citing restrictions such as vehicle bans. They contended that the new rules infringed upon the jurisdiction of the Central government.

Accepting these arguments, the High Court’s single bench nullified the Transport Commissioner's circular and all related directives. However, the state government is expected to challenge the verdict before a division bench.

The scrapped reforms included raising the number of license tests conducted per day to 30 and replacing the traditional H-pattern test with a new driving track. The rules also disallowed vehicles over 15 years old for license tests and prohibited foot-gear vehicles for two-wheeler exams. Additionally, automatic and electric cars were barred from being used in four-wheeler driving tests.