MVD criticized for exempting KSRTC trainees from testing

The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Thiruvananthapuram is facing criticism for exempting KSRTC driving school trainees from mandatory automated driving tests. Normally, all applicants must take their tests at a fully automated track. This track is designed to be fair and free from any outside influence. Instead of the automated testing track, KSRTC trainees are tested at a separate location where officials manually assess their driving skills. This practice has raised concerns about favoritism. Critics argue that this exemption could be an effort to boost the pass rates among KSRTC trainees. The Kerala High Court has previously ruled that all driving tests should follow the same procedures, emphasizing fairness. However, the MVD defends its decision by noting that KSRTC offers structured training methods. Currently, driving license applicants at the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Transport Office are subject to two different testing methods. Some must use the automated track, while KSRTC trainees are exempt. Additionally, a departmental inquiry is underway after allegations surfaced that a Motor Vehicle Inspector failed a KSRTC trainee unfairly. The Assistant Transport Commissioner will oversee the investigation, as Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar raised concerns in the state assembly about this issue.