Contrary to the claims of the government to have eased the process of getting permanent driving licence by constructing automated driving test tracks across the state, the applicants are still facing trouble, as they have to bring two vehicles including— a two-wheeler and a four-wheeler— along with them to undergo the driving test.
Applicants coming to get their driving licence need a partner to accompany them to drive a second vehicle to the track just to undergo the test resulting in unnecessary harassment for the other person.
“On the first occasion, I had to return back home empty handed as I didn’t know I had to get two vehicles to the track and on my second visit I had to ask my friend to drive his bike to the test track covering distance of about 25 kilometres after which I was able to get my licence,” said, an applicant Mohandeep Singh.
Another applicant from Dharamkot, who traveled about 30 kilometres to get his licence said instead of easing the process, the government has made it more complicated.
Pledging anonymity, officials in the department said majority of people coming to get their licence suffered as they did not know that they have to arrange two-wheeler and a car on their own. They said if the government was charging fees from the applicants for the test they should facilitate them at least by providing a car at the track, so that if anybody comes on bike, the person would have an option to give test with that car.
{{/usCountry}}Pledging anonymity, officials in the department said majority of people coming to get their licence suffered as they did not know that they have to arrange two-wheeler and a car on their own. They said if the government was charging fees from the applicants for the test they should facilitate them at least by providing a car at the track, so that if anybody comes on bike, the person would have an option to give test with that car.
{{/usCountry}}The applicant has been paying fee for taking the test including Rs 200 for two-wheeler, Rs 250 for four-wheeler while if applicant wants to take both tests, he would be charged Rs 300.
Absence of car becomes business for agents
Taking advantage of absence of car, agents have stationed their own cars outside the test track and started giving them on rent for Rs 150 to Rs 200 from an applicant just for a five-minute driving test.
“Except paying government fees, I have to pay Rs 200 extra to the agent who provided me a car to undergo test,” an
applicant said. Meanwhile, district transport officer (DTO) Anita Darshi was not available for comments.