Hyderabad Proposes Mandatory Online Road Safety Test for Driving Licence Applicants
In a significant move to enhance road safety, authorities in Hyderabad are planning to introduce a mandatory online road safety awareness test as the first checkpoint for individuals seeking a driving licence. This initiative, currently under consideration, aims to ensure that applicants enter the licensing system with a fundamental understanding of road discipline and safety protocols.
Supreme Court Directives Drive the Proposal
The proposal follows a standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the Supreme Court to address the alarming rise in road accidents and fatalities across India. Joint Transport Commissioner (IT and vigilance) M Chandrashekar Goud stated, "A proposal is under consideration following the directives from the Supreme Court to reduce road fatalities. Telangana has made steps to introduce a mandatory online road safety awareness test as a prerequisite for obtaining a driving licence. A committee has been formed, and a report is expected by late April. Based on that, the test will be made mandatory."
New Three-Stage Licensing Process
If implemented, the new system will transform the current two-stage process—learner's licence registration (LLR) test and final driving test—into a three-stage framework. The online safety awareness test will be added as the initial step, making it compulsory before applying for the LLR.
According to sources, the online programme will consist of six modules, each approximately 30 minutes long, totalling three hours of training and evaluation. Each segment will include short assessments to gauge understanding. Candidates can take the test remotely using a camera-enabled laptop or desktop, or at authorised driving school centres.
Upon completion, applicants will receive a unique certificate number, which must be submitted to proceed with the LLR application. This step effectively screens candidates based on their grasp of basic road safety principles.
Focus on Safe Driving Practices
The training will heavily rely on video-based lessons, featuring real-life accident scenarios, common driving errors, and safe driving practices. Key aspects covered will include:
- Proper mirror usage
- Safe overtaking techniques
- Responsible road behaviour
The programme is designed with a clear focus on preventing avoidable mistakes and promoting safer driving habits.
Addressing Alarming Road Safety Data
This initiative comes in response to concerning road safety statistics. India records nearly 1.7 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents, with states like Telangana reporting thousands of fatalities and injuries each year. Officials believe the mandatory test could also enhance transparency in the licensing process by reducing reliance on intermediaries at transport offices.
While the system may become more stringent, authorities maintain it is a necessary step towards building safer, more responsible drivers, ultimately contributing to a reduction in road accidents and saving lives.
