Kerala Driving Test Backlog: Applicants Wait Over Two Months Despite MVD Directive

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite a detailed circular from the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) to clear the backlog and prevent delays in allotting driving test slots, applicants continue to face waiting periods ranging from 15 days to more than two months after passing the learner’s test.

The delay in implementing the new directive is reportedly one of the main reasons for the continuing backlog. The Transport Commissioner issued a circular on July 26 outlining measures to clear the backlog as applications for learner’s and driving tests piled up.

As per the directive, all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and Sub-Regional Transport Offices (SRTOs) should conduct driving tests on five working days a week for the next three months, without exception. The normal driving test slot capacity has also been increased to 50 candidates a day, comprising 28 fresh candidates, 20 candidates appearing for re-tests after failing, and two candidates under the foreign/other-State employment or study quota, subject to the availability of testing infrastructure.

The circular also stipulates that fresh driving test slots should be made available within 30 days of booking, while re-test slots should be provided by the eighth day. Learner’s licence test slots should be made available within three days.

However, MVD data as of August 21 shows that the prescribed timelines are yet to be achieved in several offices. Of the 86 RTOs and SRTOs in the State, 37 allot driving test slots within 15 days of candidates passing the learner’s test. Six offices take up to 25 days, while 19 take up to 35 days.

Another five offices take more than 65 days, over two months, to allot slots. The five offices with the longest waiting periods are the Thrissur RTO and the SRTOs at Mannarkkad, Nilambur, Perinthalmanna and Vandiperiyar.

According to senior MVD officials, the delays could be reduced in stages. The department has also placed orders for new digital equipment to upgrade the physical infrastructure. The arrival of new laptops and desktop computers is expected to speed up the learner’s licence examination process.

Applicants, however, have demanded that more officers from the enforcement wing be deployed at the offices to expedite the processing of pending driving test applications. They argue that without adequate staffing, the backlog will continue despite the circular and infrastructure upgrades.

The MVD directive was intended to be a temporary measure for three months, but the slow implementation has left many applicants, particularly in rural areas, struggling to obtain driving licences in time for employment or education opportunities. The situation highlights the broader challenge of administrative reform in the State’s transport department.

Officials maintain that the situation will improve once the new equipment arrives and the enforcement wing is strengthened. Till then, applicants in several districts will have to continue waiting for their driving test slots.