Delhi: Transport department lifts suspension of driving skill tests

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government’s transport department on Friday revoked its orders of suspending all driving skill tests and learner’s licence test, which were imposed in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
Officials said Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had lifted restrictions from various activities in its Thursday order and also increased the staff strength at government offices.
“In view of the above, the suspension of activities related to driving licence skill tests and learning licence test are, hereby, withdrawn with immediate effect. All zonal authorities shall take necessary steps and actions to resume the activities,” the order stated.
Officials said zonal deputy commissioners and transport officers had been directed to ensure that all Covid-19 protocol and appropriate behaviour such as sanitisation of hands, social distancing and wearing of masks as per the DDMA guidelines were followed while conducting the tests.
The department had suspended all fresh online appointments and tests on January 5 when the Covid-19 cases started showing an upward trend. Officials said the appointments that were cancelled would now be rescheduled and SMSs would be sent to the applicants. All faceless services during this period continued at all zonal offices.
However, during the past three weeks, the transport department continued with fitness tests for commercial vehicles. “Fitness is important for plying of goods vehicles and public transport to provide essential services. The fitness tests took place while ensuring strict Covid-appropriate behaviour,” said an official.
While zonal offices were closed for in-person services, the enforcement staff was deployed to check public transport vehicles for compliance of the DDMA guidelines.