Thiruvananthapuram: The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has cracked down on bogus driving schools by insisting that only authorized trainers should be present with learners. This directive has cornered several driving schools that previously had trainers only on paper. The number of people appearing for driving tests through these schools significantly decreased on Saturday.

Out of the 1404 applicants, only 760 passed, marking a success rate of 54.1%. This is a drop from the previous pass rate of 70%. Officials strictly adhered to the new instructions, ensuring that only those who demonstrated proper driving skills, including passing road test, were granted license.

Despite opposition from driving schools regarding the provision of authorized instructors to be present in person, they have not resorted to strikes or boycotts as earlier. The school license stipulates that persons with specified qualifications must teach directly, a requirement that was often overlooked in the past. Previously, an approved trainer was only brought in during the application process for a school license.

Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has issued strict instructions to curb this irregularity and ensure compliance with the law.