Instructors not mandatory at driving test ground; CITU calls off strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Motor Vehicles Department has withdrawn the requirement that the instructors themselves must bring the learners to the test ground for the driving test. However, instructors must be present at the driving school and vehicle inspectors will check to ensure this. The decision was taken in the discussion held by CITU leaders with Minister KB Ganesh Kumar. With this, the 15-day strike was called off.

In view of the shortage of certified qualified instructors, it has been decided to conduct a special test for the employees of driving schools with more than five years of training experience and consider them as instructors. The fee for this training was increased from Rs 3000 to Rs 37,500 three months ago. The minister also assured that it will be fixed below Rs 10,000.

2.5 lakh applications pending

2.5 lakh applications for driving test are pending. Offices with more than 3000 applications will be allotted one more unit from the Enforcement Division. A unit consists of one MVI and two assistant MVIs. The time limit for driving school vehicles has been extended to 22 years.