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

Image for representation. The Motor Vehicle department (MVD) began a 100-day programme to reduce the pendency of learner’s licence tests and driving tests across the State. As part of the programme, the department will hire halls in nearby colleges, schools or other educational institutions having adequate computer systems, internet connectivity and other facilities to clear the backlog of applications.The department issued a new directive against the backdrop of the delay in implementing a previous directive to clear the backlog and prevent delays in allotting driving test slots. Despite a detailed circular issued by the MVD, applicants continue to face waits ranging from 15 days to more than two months after passing the learner’s test.In the new circular issued on August 24 directing the MVD officials to hire private facilities, the Transport Commissioner said that in several offices, the availability of computer systems, staff and time is a constraint in conducting Learner’s Licence (LL) tests for large number of candidates within the required time.As an immediate measure to address the issue and to ensure smooth and timely conduct of LL tests, all Licensing Authorities (LAs) have been directed to identify suitable computer laboratories, computer halls in nearby colleges, schools or other educational institutions having adequate computer systems and internet connectivity, which can be utilised for conducting LL tests for large groups of candidates. The institutions may also be encouraged to organise pre-licence training for their students using MVD LEADS app features and trainers, said the circular.The previous circular regarding the increase in number ofdriving test days, and increase in batch size and conduct of batches of 50 candidates by each Motor Vehicle Inspector and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector pair shall be treated as the guiding principle while planning LL testing. The objective is not merely to increase the number of LL tests conducted, but to ensure that the number of candidates becoming eligible for driving test is commensurate with the testing capacity available in each office, the Transport Commissioner said.A candidate who passes the LL test and books a driving test slot on the same day should be able to obtain a driving testat least within 45 days (30 days being the mandatory waiting period).The LL testing capacity of each office shall therefore be planned in such a manner that the driving test capacity is not exceeded and candidates are not compelled to wait for an unduly long period for test, the Commissioner said.Compliance with the directions, including the prescribed time limit for obtaining driving test slots, will be monitored at the Transport Commissionerate level. If it is found that the prescribed limit is not being adhered to despite the availability of adequate LL and driving test capacity, the reasons for such non-compliance will be examined and further appropriate action will be initiated against the officers responsible, according to the circular. Published - August 27, 2026 09:09 pm IST