Country's first digital driving-test yard is almost ready

KOZHIKODE: The country’s first computerized driving-test yard and automatic vehicle testing station at the Institute of Driving Testing and Research (IDTR) in Chevayur will soon become a reality. More than 80% of the work at both the facilities has been completed.
State transport and road safety commissioner K S Balasubramaniam suggested some modifications after reviewing the progress of the work on Thursday.
He said the computerized driving-test yard would help the department to speed up driving tests in Kozhikode, which has been hit by the shortage of motor vehicle inspectors and assistant motor vehicle inspectors.
At present applicants, who have passed the learners’ test, are being forced to wait four to five months to appear for the driving test. Balasubramaniam also said the department would consider setting up similar facilities in other major towns in the state. Cameras installed on a tower near the testing track will capture all tests, and after analyzing the images the computer will generate a report stating whether the applicant who took the test has passed or not.
The automatic vehicle testing station will check the accuracy of the speedometer, brake efficiency and other aspects of a vehicle during the fitness test.
An official with the Motor Vehicles Department said under the system, it would only take 10 minutes to complete the test. At present it takes more than 20 minutes to manually inspect each vehicle. In the initial stage only light vehicles and autorickshaws can be tested in the automatic vehicle testing station. The department plans to extend the facility to enable testing of heavy vehicles. Funds have been set apart to start similar facilities in three more stations, but space shortage is a major hurdle.