Faced with inadequate land to be used as testing ground for driving licence seekers, Motor Vehicles department (MVD) officials have sought at least one standardised ground in each district with gradient, zig-zag driving and parking tracks to host the tests.
Candidates, including from the main regional transport office (RTO) and sub-RTO offices, can then appear for the test in shifts that extend from morning to late in the evening, as in many other States, they say. “The MVD collects approximately ₹6,000 crore revenue each year for the government, from motorists. Leave alone test grounds with dedicated tracks to verify the driving skills of candidates as per the new norms that were announced in February, little is being invested back since most test grounds are ill-equipped and poorly maintained. In addition, both officials and candidates have to brave the elements for hours since there is no roofed space and toilets in most grounds. There is also shortage of test grounds,” said a senior MVD official.
He suggested that the Transport department make available grounds having dedicated test tracks, as in Hyderabad, where driving skills of candidates are effectively tested.
