Driving school committee to end protest; minister agrees to roll back reforms

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The driving school committee on Wednesday called off the ongoing protest against driving test reforms, after reaching a détente in the meeting with transport minister Ganesh Kumar. The decision was taken in a discussion with Ganesh Kumar and senior officials of the Transport Department this evening.

The driving school committee demanded the withdrawal of the circular while the transport minister held to his stance of moving forward with reforms only after conducting discussions with all concerned authorities.

The transport minister allowed 80 driving license tests in one day in offices with two motor vehicle officials. This is a departure from the earlier proposed 30-driving license test per day. The minister also assured candidates to not worry about the expiry of learners' tests. Candidates will be able to extend the learner's certificate by paying a minimal fee after six months.

A camera will be fitted in the dash of the vehicle to ensure that all the procedures are captured. Vehicles that are 18 years old can be used for driving license tests. Vehicles with clutch and brakes installed on both sides can be temporarily used for the test until the government makes reforms to buy new vehicles exclusively for conducting driving tests.

Like in the olden days, the driving test will have an H-test and a road test. KSRTC will soon start driving schools charging generous fees compared to other driving schools.