Your driving licence at home, 2 hrs after test

Imagine getting your learner’s driving licence in two hours of a computerised test.

Imagine getting your learner’s driving licence in two hours of a computerised test.

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That’s what transport officials say could happen soon. The plan is to begin such exams at a Regional Transport Office (RTO) nearest to you. And if things to plan, you won’t have to stand in long queues or pay an agent to get your permanent driving licence. The smart card will be delivered at home.

“The idea is to simplify processes. Licences will be sent through speed post and computerised driving tests will be arranged at RTOs,” said Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Friday.

In 2006-07, the state issued 10.83 lakh permanent licences — the number has risen by 15 per cent every year. In 2008-09, it issued 17.42 lakh temporary licences.

“Sending licences by post will begin immediately at 45 offices to begin with. It also becomes a mechanism to verify an applicant’s postal address, as a licence is an address-proof document,” said Transport Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.

Eventually, transport offices will have simulator-based tests. “We have asked for 14 simulators and are awaiting a go-ahead,” said Transport Commissioner Deepak Kapoor.