Kerala Restores Higher Driving Test Capacity and Debuts Facial Recognition Tech
The Motor Vehicles Department has raised its daily driving test limit to 50 slots to clear backlogs. New reforms include a facial recognition system for learner’s exams to enhance authentication security.
Strategic Reform to Cut Licensing Backlogs
Transport Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju has issued a new circular directing all Regional Transport Offices (RTO) and Sub-RTOs to increase daily driving test capacity from 40 back to 50. This surge aims to resolve the mounting queue of license seekers across Kerala. For the next three months, these offices will operate testing schedules five days a week to ensure faster turnaround times for the public.
The department targets a specific timeline for applicants: fresh driving test slots should be available within 30 days of booking, re-tests within eight days, and learner’s license tests within three days. To prevent delays caused by staffing shortages, the Enforcement wing will now provide substitute Motor Vehicle Inspectors whenever primary inspectors are absent.
Allocation Strategy and Slot Management
Under the revised 50-slot daily limit, the MVD has established a prioritized distribution system for applicants:
- 28 slots are designated for first-time applicants.
- 20 slots are set aside for individuals attempting a re-test after failing a previous attempt.
- 2 slots are reserved for urgent cases, including those needing licenses for foreign employment, overseas studies, or migration.
The circular further mandates that daily learner’s license test availability must match or exceed the volume of practical driving tests scheduled for that same day. While a previous government administration allowed up to 60 tests daily, the current increase to 50 marks a significant recovery from the recent 40-test restriction.
Digital Authentication and Monitoring
In a technological shift, the MVD is introducing facial recognition-based authentication for candidates taking learner’s license exams via mobile phones in designated halls. This system requires the National Informatics Centre to activate the functionality within the Sarathi application. Once live, applicants must pass facial scans before starting the test and at randomized intervals during the session.
Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors will maintain direct supervision over these digital exams. Deputy Transport Commissioners are responsible for overseeing this statewide drive, while Regional and Joint Regional Transport Officers face personal accountability for meeting the new performance metrics. Future adjustments to slot capacity will depend on the efficacy of this three-month monitoring period.
Source: The Hindu — Home
