ALAPPUZHA: The Transport Department is planning to revamp its driving test procedures as part of making road safety measures more efficient in the state. Transport Commissioner CH Nagaraju announced this while speaking to the media after visiting the accident site in Kalarcode in Alappuzha where 6 medical students lost their lives in an accident.

"We are planning to introduce stringent norms for issuing driving licenses. After an applicant obtains a learner's license, the first 6-12 months will be considered a probation period. The applicant will be issued a permanent license only if he/she does not cause any accidents during this period. There is a plan to increase the number of questions in the learner's exam. Applicants should have more theoretical knowledge. Negative marks should also be introduced in the learner's examination. The current practice of issuing licenses based solely on H-tests and 8-tests should change. Private vehicles should not be handed over for driving, whether for money or otherwise. If done so, it will be considered as renting out the vehicle," the Transport Commissioner said.