Want to drive a heavy motor vehicle? Pass a tougher test

Passing the test to get the driving licence for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) will no longer be easier as Karnataka’s first high-tech driving test track for such vehicles is coming up in Bengaluru soon. 

The automated system of testing the applicant’s driving ability will replace the existing manual method in another four months. 

In order to ensure transparency in the system and have better drivers on road, the transport department has planned a state-of-the-art driving test track on four acres of land in Chikka Nagamangala, Electronics City, in southern Bengaluru.

BMTC in charge The construction has been entrusted to the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). 

The department has also planned electronic testing tracks for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and two-wheelers, similar to those at the Jnanabharathi Regional Transport Office (RTO). 

An official in the transport department said that civil works on multiple test tracks and necessary buildings to operate the service had been completed.
 The installation of sensor equipment at various points on the tracks is in progress.

 Testing the driving skills on these tracks will ensure hassle-free service to genuine applicants. 

No manipulationCorrupt officials will no longer be able to manipulate the results of the test to “pass” the unscrupulous applicants who grease their palms. In short, there will be no short cuts to obtain a driving licence. 

The move is in a series of measures the transport department has planned to bring transparency in the licensing system, Commissioner for Transport and Road Safety Ramegowda told Deccan Herald. 

The electronic testing tracks will help curb the practice of bribing officials to obtain a licence, he added. 

Electronic testing tracks will come up in other cities, too. (see box) Construction on such tracks in other cities will start once the work in Bengaluru gets over, said the transport commissioner.