Kerala recently introduced new regulations for driving tests conducted for applying and renewal of driving licence. From the outset, the new regulations appear much stricter than the traditional regulations as they involve overhauling several real-life driving challenges to secure a driving licence.
Kerala new driving test regulations
According to the circular issued by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) of Kerala dated 4 April 2024, applicants will have to undergo several real-life driving challenges which include mandatory road tests on a road with busy traffic. The MVD has made multiple tests such as angular parking, parallel parking, zig-zag driving, etc. compulsory.
Further, the circular adds gradient testing before conducting an ‘H’ test on the ground as a mandatory obstacle for anyone who wants to earn or renew their driving licence. Moreover, the latest regulations add the provision that no car beyond the age of 15 years will be used for driving tests.
Elaborating on the same, for a two-wheeler driving licence, only motorcycles with gear pedals on the leg above 95 cc will be allowed. For the four-wheeler driving test, no electric cars or automatic cars will be allowed. The new regulations also make it mandatory to have a dashboard camera and a vehicle location tracking device on the light motor vehicle used for testing, and these have to be installed by the driving school owner.
The driving instructor must record the test using the camera, and the memory card should be carried to the Motor Vehicles’ Inspector. This data will then be transferred to the MVD system, and the owner has to keep the memory card intact for the next three months. Interestingly, the circular specifically mentions that no electric or automatic cars will be allowed to conduct the driving test.
Provisions of this new circular from MVD was recently challenged by the Kerala Motor Driving School Instructors and Workers Associations and others in the Kerala High Court which refused to stay the order stating that it is in sync with the relevant central law. With the plea squashed by the Kerala High Court, the question arises whether this new regulation will get implemented all across India or not.
Will these new regulations become pan India?
On paper, the new regulations are very much needed for all drivers and riders across the country. In many parts of the country, driving licences are issued by authorities without proper testing which lead to detrimental effects on the roads. As we know, most of the road accidents and fatalities are the result of negligent driving.
If such a strict procedure is implemented, it could surely bring down the rate of accidents and deaths significantly in the longer future. Yes, there will be additional cost and manpower attached to the new norms but in the long run, reduction of road accidents and deaths will bring down the loss incurred by the government, and insurance companies. More importantly, the stricter norms will help prevent loss of life thus protecting the livelihood of families.
(With inputs from PTI)
