Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the State-level project of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driving schools aiming at imparting driving lessons at reasonable rates compared to that of private sector alternatives.

Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar and Kazhakoottam MLA Kadakampally Surendran also attended the ceremony.

KSRTC's driving schools will provide driving classes at lower rates. Those interested in obtaining Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licenses can receive training at Rs 9,000 each, while two-wheeler training is priced at Rs 3,500. Both geared and gearless two-wheeler classes are charged at the same rate. There's also a combined package available for Rs 11,000, covering both car and two-wheeler training. The initiative is offering discounts of up to 40 percent compared to private institutions. HMV training typically costs Rs 15,000, LMV driving ranges from Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000, and two-wheeler training costs Rs 6,000 at private driving schools.

Meanwhile, KSRTC's entry into the driving school sector has sparked a debate between driving school owners and the government regarding driving test reforms. The government aims to enhance the quality of driving education across the State and ensure standardised training practices through these schools.