Kerala revises driving test rules, rolls back K.B. Ganesh Kumar's reform

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Department has issued a new circular revising the driving test rules, rolling back a reform introduced by then Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar during the previous LDF government's tenure. The changes come amid widespread complaints over delays in conducting driving tests.

As per the new circular, the number of driving tests conducted per day has been increased from 40 to 50. Driving tests will also be held on all five working days of the week for the next three months. The Deputy Transport Commissioner has been assigned to monitor the implementation of the new system.

Daily driving test slots

New driving licence tests: 28
Re-tests: 20
Applicants travelling abroad for jobs or higher studies: 2

The department has also decided to make new driving licence test slots available within 30 days from the date of booking. Re-test slots will be allotted within eight days, while learner's licence test slots will be provided within three days. The restriction that prevented vehicle fitness inspections and driving tests from being conducted on the same day has also been removed.

The Transport Commissioner has directed officials to clear the backlog of pending applications within the next three months. Applicants who fail their first driving test must be given a re-test within eight days. Those applying for a learner's licence must be assigned a test date within three days of submitting their application. The department is also considering introducing another set of reforms to the driving test system after the three-month period.