New instructions on driving test in Kerala keep applicants away

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite elaborate arrangements, the motor vehicles department could not conduct the driving test as the applicants were away. Driving school owners also protested at testing grounds in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode. He accused Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar of intimidating the applicants with his instructions. “The minister is asking applicants to bring their vehicles for testing and has warned them against absences. Due to the new situation applicants are afraid to appear in the examination. Vehicles are usually provided by motor driving schools. Nazar Osman, general secretary of Motor Driving Owners Kootayma, said it is very difficult for an applicant to pass the ground test using a bike with a large wheelbase. The minister, in a statement on Thursday, warned applicants that if they deliberately stay away from appearing in the examination, they will soon lose their chance of getting a slot. Later his office clarified that applicants who did not appear for the exam will not get a chance for the next six months. Meanwhile, MVD officials are confused about the new instructions on providing vehicles and preparing the grounds. Of the 86 testing grounds, only 10 are on government land while the rest are near driving schools. Since driving schools refused to conduct tests on land under their control, Ganesh Kumar directed the MVD to find available testing grounds, including KSRTC, schools and private properties, to resume testing from Friday.