Hyderabad: In these days of difficult traffic, the final driving licence test still involves a brief drive on an empty test track, watched by an inspector from a distance. Even municipal administration minister K.T. Rama Rao was moved to say that officials can consider test applicants on simulators and conduct refresher courses for those who already obtained it.
Experts said the system lacks a test in actual traffic conditions as there are no vehicles coming from the opposite direction or honking from behind or overtaking from the left. No one zips across or jumps on to the road suddenly.
Motorists who booked slots for driving licence
“In foreign countries, an inspector sits in the vehicle on the road and observes how the driver reacts to any given situation. Some people are colour blind and cannot identify if the signal was red or green. A trip on the test track will give an idea about the driving skills but it is not sufficient,” said Central Road Research Institute former scientist T.S. Reddy.
In Singapore, the driving test is conducted on simulators but inspectors closely observe how the driver responds to a situation thrown at him. This happens even down to how the driver reacts at a green signal — whether he or she ‘speeds up’ or drives sedately.
“The inspector sits beside you and observe your behaviour at the wheel like whether you slow down when you see a vehicle coming from the opposite side. If the inspector finds any lacunae, he will tell you to discuss with your instructor, informing the person of the gaps in driving knowledge,” he said.
Dr S. Nagabhushan Rao, World Bank, former adviser on road safety, said the licencing system needs to be improved. Only simulators would not do the job. Drivers should be aware of the three Es — education-cum-emergency handling, enforcement and engineering.
“Driving is a huge responsibility as the motorist is responsible for the lives of other road users as well. This should be taught right from school. Getting a licence is not easy in foreign countries and it is valued highly by motorists. People shiver at the thought of violating rules and losing the licence, as re-applying and getting it back is difficult,” he said.
Another crucial factor is continuous enforcement and maintenance of track record of the motorist for temporary or permanent cancellation of licence. Then the government should provide proper roads without any engineering defects and there should be emergency medical facilities and enforcement equipment available on roads, he said.
Joint transport commissioner B. Venkateshwarlu said, “Steps like introducing simulators and improving the licence issuance system will be discussed and action would be taken.”
