Keralam Motor Vehicle dept. to hire private facilities to clear backlog of learner’s licence tests, driving tests

The Motor Vehicle department (MVD) in Kerala has launched a 100-day program aimed at clearing the backlog of learner's licence and driving test applications across the state. In response to delays in implementing a previous directive to address the issue and prevent further delays in allotting driving test slots, the department has issued new guidelines directing officials to hire private facilities to conduct these tests.

Despite a detailed circular issued by the MVD, applicants have been experiencing wait times ranging from 15 days to over two months after passing the learner's test.

The Transport Commissioner has emphasized that several offices lack sufficient computer systems, staff, and time to conduct learner's licence tests for large numbers of candidates within the required timeframe. As a result, all Licensing Authorities (LAs) are directed to identify suitable computer laboratories, computer halls in nearby colleges, schools, or other educational institutions with adequate computer systems and internet connectivity to conduct these tests for large groups of candidates.

The circular also encourages these institutions to organize pre-licence training for their students using the MVD LEADS app features and trainers. While the previous circular regarding increased driving test days and larger batch sizes has been retained as a guiding principle for planning LL testing, the objective is to ensure that the number of candidates eligible for driving tests is commensurate with the testing capacity available in each office.

Candidates who pass the LL test and book a driving test slot on the same day should be able to obtain a driving test within 45 days (with a mandatory 30-day waiting period).

The MVD Transport Commissionerate will monitor compliance with these directives, including the prescribed time limit for obtaining driving test slots. If non-compliance is found despite adequate testing capacity, reasons for this failure will be examined, and appropriate action will be taken against the responsible officers.