State to introduce uniform driving training modules
Times of India | 13 July 2024
Kolkata: The state is set to introduce a uniform driving training module and a standardised test format for applicants across Bengal. Motor training schools will be brought under a grading system to improve their quality and ensure a positive competition within the sector. A motor vehicle inspector, associated with a training school, will be responsible for maintaining the training standard: These decisions aimed at overhauling the sector were made at a meeting, chaired by transport secretary Saumitra Mohan, on Friday.
After approval, this year’s training module and calendar will be uploaded on the transport department’s website. Under the new test format, candidates appearing for the final driving test will have to appear for a question-and-answer paper online to ensure effective learning. The transport department is also considering to make Form 5—the driving certificate issued by driving institutes—mandatory for all motorists.
“Inspectors associated with training schools will conduct periodic inspections and rank them. The gradations will be uploaded on the department’s webpage. The transport directorate will devise a format for this gradation,” said a senior official from the transport department.
The training school licences, to be issued as miniature smart cards, would be used as the institutes’ ID cards that the owners would use for their transactions at regional transport offices (RTOs), the official said, adding that the smart cards would be issued for a fee, as proposed by the transport directorate. RTOs had been urged to complete their pending renewals at the earliest and the transport directorate would propose measures to expedite the process, he said.
RTOs have also been instructed to set up washrooms and visitors’ rooms in consultation with district magistrates. A survey will be conducted at all motor vehicle offices to provide protective sheds at driving test grounds. Draft plans for this infrastructure will be submitted for approval and funding.