No more compromises in driving tests, says Ganesh Kumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has said that no compromise can be allowed in the matter of driving license tests in the state. He said that the issues were resolved in the discussion with the protesters. The protest started the day after the order was issued to conduct tests in a new way from May 1.

The earlier discussion had changed the number of daily tests. It was decided that 40 tests would be conducted at the site with one MVI officer and 80 tests at the site with two officers. In the old way first 'H' test and then road test was done. The minister has also instructed to complete the tests on the delayed days as soon as possible. According to the figures so far in the state, about two and three lakh applications are pending.

The government has issued an order revising the conditions of the driving test by making it stricter that the authorized trainers must appear for the driving test with the learners. Organizations including CITU are also opposing this provision. Most driving schools do not have enough certified instructors. Earlier there were allegations about the condition that authorized instructors should be present condused driving school students.

The order contains all the points explained by Minister Ganesh Kumar after the driving school strike was settled. An officer will conduct up to 40 driving tests a day. "It has been decided to implement the announcement of launching KSRTC's driving school immediately. The current decision is to start the first driving school in Thiruvananthapuram. It is expected to start operation within June 6," Ganesh Kumar said.