Indiscriminate issue of learners licence raises eyebrows

Nellore: LLR (Learner Driving Licence) Melas are allegedly violating mandatory rules and regulations while issuing licences to beginners.  According to reports, hundreds of applications are being cleared in a single day without going through the knowledge of candidates on basic traffic signs and road signals.

In fact, the transport department had announced schedule of Mela from Monday in various parts of the district. On Monday itself, the department provided 751 learning licences out of 772 applied during Melas. All these 751 candidates were announced passed in the LLR test.

Experts say, the transport department is not considering knowledge levels of applicants on basic principles of driving and safety precautions. Rule book says one has to apply through online for booking a slot for test. On the basis of Aadhaar number, they will be allotted slot for LLR and the candidate has to attend for test at the designated centre.

Further, the LLR test is a computer-based and it will evaluate knowledge levels of candidate on basic traffic signs and road signals. The candidate has to answer at least 16 questions correctly out of 20 questions in the test given within 10 minutes by choosing any language. 

The Common Service Centres have been permitted in various parts of the state for taking up such tests and issuing licences and for other services. Laptops were being used for such online tests in inaccessible areas for assessing knowledge levels of applicants.

“Now, as part of LLR melas, freshers are being encouraged to participate in Mela for obtaining the licence. Even though it is essential, the system being followed is not correct.

They should also at least conduct a written exam in rural areas where computers and internet services are not properly available for conducting online test. Otherwise, it becomes ridiculous with no effort for getting the licence in terms of preparation,” said a retired RTO on condition of anonymity.

Though the district has more than 5 lakh vehicles registered, data shows that around 1.80 lakh people were not having licences. Data shows more than 1.25 lakh two-wheelers were registered with transport department and there were no licences proportionately which shows lax mechanism to address the menace of offences related to driving.

Interestingly, deaths are occurring in the district in the accidents in which two-wheelers are involved. The official admitted that riding a vehicle without proper licence is a crime and hence the Melas are essential for issuing licences.