At several places in Kerala, where candidates had booked their driving test dates for May 2, they did not turn up following the protests. (illustrative photo) | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
The Kerala government’s proposal to switch to a revised format of the driving test has hit a snag on the first day as driving schools across the state massively boycotted the tests on May 2, forcing the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to cancel the examination proceedings for the day.
Driving school associations, including those affiliated to the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and All Kerala Driving School Owners’ Association, which oppose the reforms, boycotted the driving tests across Kerala on the day.
In Malappuram, members of a trade union affiliated to CITU barricaded the area, preventing entry of vehicles and candidates, in protest against the recent reforms introduced by the Kerala government.
In Kozhikode, union members protested against the decision by wearing black badges and denying entry to vehicles and candidates to the venue where as many as 51 driving aspirants had booked seats for their exams in Chevayur. However, after the protests, no one showed up for the tests.
At several places across the state, including Muttathara in Thiruvananthapuram, where candidates had reserved seats for May 2, they did not show up after the protests.
Elsewhere in Kerala, where people reached the testing sites, protesters did not allow them to enter the testing site.
In Kasaragod, MVD authorities informed candidates that driving tests have been suspended till May 24.
It will continue in a recent format: Minister
Meanwhile, Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar told the media that the state will continue working on the revised driving test format.
He said the state had “no plans” to hold talks with protesters over the banner of defiance raised by driving school associations.
The minister also announced that a recent circular will soon be issued containing proposals for changes proposed by the MVD regarding driving tests.
Protesters riot
On the other hand, raising the stakes against the recent reforms, driving school owners’ associations have made it clear that they will boycott driving tests and student exams until the reform ordinance is withdrawn.
The MVD, in a February 2024 circular, modernized the driving test format by introducing angled parking, parallel parking, zigzag driving and incline driving, which will be conducted on separate tracks in the ground test. However, the department has decided not to implement all the reforms suggested in the revised examination procedures as the authorities have not yet provided the lithe vehicle driving test sites needed in the revised examination format.
Therefore, the department has decided to conduct the road test first with some changes and only those who successfully pass the road test will be allowed to take the ground test.
Moreover, although the number of candidates taking the driving test under the supervision of a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) and an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (AMVI) has been confined to 30 per day, it has been decided not to enforce this strictly and to allow 60 applicants to take the test apply for a driving license for now. However, a circular suggesting the changes has not been issued, causing confusion among MVD officials.
According to the changed exam format, only vehicles with a gear operated by foot and with an engine capacity above 95 cc can participate in the driving test in the “motorcycle with gear” category. Similarly, from May 2, vehicles older than 15 years will not be allowed for driving lessons or driving tests. People taking driving tests for automatic transmission or automatic transmission vehicles and electric vehicles will not be able to drive vehicles with a manual transmission. Under the recent reforms, these vehicles should also not be subjected to driving tests in the LMV (lithe motor vehicle) category.
