Thiruvananthapuram: State govt revised the driving licence test system by increasing the number of driving tests conducted each day from 40 to 50 and rolling back several restrictions introduced by previous LDF govt, to clear backlog of pending applications.According to a motor vehicles department circular, driving tests will be conducted on all five working days of the week for next three months to dispose of pending applications. Deputy transport commissioner has been assigned to oversee the implementation. Of the 50 daily slots, 28 will be allotted for fresh driving licence applicants, 20 for re-tests and two for applicants travelling abroad for employment or higher studies.The circular directs that applicants be allotted a driving test slot within 30 days of booking. Those who fail the first test should be given a re-test within eight days, while learner’s licence applicants should receive a test date within three days of applying.The earlier condition that vehicle fitness inspections and driving tests couldn’t be conducted on same day has been withdrawn. Transport commissioner instructed officials to prioritise clearing the backlog within next three months, even if other work has to be deferred. Govt is considering introducing a fresh set of reforms to the driving test system after the three-month period.The changes reverse key decisions introduced by former transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who reduced the maximum number of driving tests conducted daily by an MVI and AMVI from 60 to 40, citing serious shortcomings in the conduct of licence tests. Despite protests by organisations, including CITU, the restriction remained in force, leading to a build-up of applications and complaints from licence seekers over long waiting periods.Kumar made it mandatory to use vehicles not older than 18 years for driving tests and required cameras to be installed in test vehicles. Following strong opposition from driving schools, the age limit for vehicles was later relaxed to 22 years and the requirement for instructors to be physically present at the test ground was eased.
