You Can’t Get a Driving Licence Without Passing This Test!

The Transport Department has introduced a new rule to improve road safety awareness among people applying for driving licences. Under the revised procedure, applicants who pass the Learner’s Licence test must watch a special two and a half hour video lesson covering traffic rules and road safety. Although the new rule was initially expected to come into effect from November 1, it was implemented ten days earlier. Driving licence applications have been increasing among youngsters in the combined district. During the last three months, a total of 14,329 men and 681 women obtained driving licences in the region.

Earlier, applicants could obtain a Learner’s Licence by paying the prescribed fee online and passing a computer based test at the Transport Department office. After a month, they could apply for a permanent licence and demonstrate their driving skills before officials. Under the new system, candidates who pass the Learner’s Licence test receive a link on their mobile phones. They must enter their Learner’s Licence number and date of birth, verify their identity through an OTP and complete the video lesson using face recognition. The video covers driving techniques, traffic regulations, road accidents and accident prevention. If applicants look away from the screen or stop the video midway, it gets paused, and failure to complete the lesson may make them ineligible. After successfully watching the entire video, applicants can download a certificate and use it to book a slot for their driving licence test.