Thiruvananthapuram: RTOs across Kerala have been instructed to recheck the driving skills of people who have passed their driving tests recently. The new licence holders will be called in the coming days and asked to drive the vehicle. If they fail, action will be taken against the driving schools that trained them.

Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar announced the decision while inaugurating Road Safety Month celebrations. He blamed the rise in road accidents, particularly in Malappuram district, on fraudulent issuance of driving licences.

Officials to undergo road safety tests

Motor Vehicles Department officials will also be assessed on their knowledge of road safety and traffic regulations. All ministry staff, including those working at the headquarters, must clear the MVD LEADS app test every month. The same test has been made mandatory for driving school instructors too.

50% discount on e-challan adalat

The government will introduce a one-time settlement scheme offering a 50 per cent reduction on traffic fines through an e-challan adalat. Settling pending cases within three months could generate around ₹1,200 crore in revenue. It has also been recommended that revenue recovery proceedings related to tax arrears be resolved by collecting 50 per cent of the dues.