Driving Licence Tests to Get Stricter and More Transparent, Says Transport Department

Driving licence tests are about to become more stringent and transparent as the Transport Department introduces a series of reforms aimed at ensuring road safety and skilled drivers. With the rising number of accidents linked to driver negligence, authorities have focused on tightening the testing process, increasing accountability, and minimizing opportunities for malpractice.

What Are the New Rules?

Mandatory Online Appointment

Applicants seeking a permanent driving licence must now book their test appointment online through the official Transport Department portal. This measure is intended to reduce the involvement of agents and improve the organization of testing schedules.

CCTV Surveillance

Temporary test tracks will be monitored through CCTV cameras. Every movement during the test will be recorded, ensuring transparency and eliminating any possibility of malpractice.

Mandatory Presence of Officials

All concerned officers assigned to the test must remain present throughout the examination. Their supervision guarantees that tests are conducted strictly according to the rules.

Strict Document Verification

Applicants’ documents will undergo thorough verification to ensure that only eligible candidates are allowed to take the driving test.

Five Percent Re-Test

To maintain credibility, five percent of candidates who pass the test will be randomly selected for a re-test. This measure enhances the reliability of the testing process.

Strict Action Against Malpractice

The Transport Department has emphasized zero tolerance for corruption or irregularities. Any malpractice by applicants or officials will result in immediate and strict disciplinary action.

Why the Pass Percentage is Above 90 Percent

If the failure rate falls below ten percent, the Regional Transport Officer and Deputy RTO are required to closely monitor the testing process. In addition, five percent of candidates who pass must undergo a re-test, and monthly reports of these checks are mandatory. These measures ensure stricter scrutiny before issuing permanent licences.

Instructions for RTO Offices

All stages of the licence process must be completed on time under the Service Guarantee framework. Offices have been provided with mandatory daily schedules specifying the number of vehicles to be tested and the required time per vehicle category.

All officers must remain present during testing and maintain proper register entries. CCTV recordings must be securely stored and made available for inspection. Any errors, delays, or misconduct by officials will result in immediate disciplinary action.

Applicants who attempt to bypass procedures or officials engaging in malpractice will face strict consequences.

Significance of the Reforms

With 80 percent of road accidents attributed to driver negligence, these reforms are designed to improve driver competence and road safety. Until the Automated Driving Test Track project is completed, temporary tracks under CCTV surveillance will ensure proper adherence to rules and transparency.