Kerala driving test wait stretches beyond 2 months despite MVD directive
The delay in implementing the new directive is reportedly one of the main reasons for the continuing backlog
Despite a circular issued by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) to expedite driving test slots and prevent delays, applicants still face wait times ranging from 15 days to over two months after passing the learner's test. The MVD's failure to implement the directive promptly is considered a primary reason for the ongoing backlog.
Following the issuance of the directive on July 26, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and Sub-Regional Transport Offices (SRTOs) were expected to conduct driving tests five days a week for three months, with daily capacities increased to 50 candidates. This included 28 new candidates, 20 retesters, and two foreign/other-State quota candidates, depending on testing infrastructure availability.
The circular also stipulated deadlines for slot availability, with learner's licence tests to be released within three days, retests within eight days, and regular tests within 30 days of booking. However, as of August 21, only 37 out of 86 RTOs and SRTOs in Kerala met these deadlines, with 19 taking over 35 days and five RTOs taking more than two months.
The offices with the longest wait times are located in Thrissur and at SRTOs in Mannarkkad, Nilambur, Perinthalmanna, and Vandiperiyar. MVD officials suggest that delays can be gradually reduced, and the department has ordered new digital equipment to enhance physical infrastructure. However, applicants have called for the deployment of more enforcement officers to help process pending applications more quickly.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
