Streamlining licensing: Smartphones for learner tests and revised slot ratios rolled out across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing a shortage of computers at its regional offices, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Kerala has announced that applicants can now use smartphones to take their driving learner's license tests.

The tests will be conducted directly at MVD offices under the supervision of Motor Vehicle Inspectors. Applicants are required to use the 'MVD LEADS' mobile application, which features a built-in facial recognition system to verify their identity.

The department has also moved to eliminate the current three-month waiting period for learner's licenses. To clear the backlog, learner's tests will be held five days a week across all offices for the next three months, ensuring applicants receive a test slot within three days of application. Additionally, individuals applying for practical driving tests will secure slots within 30 days, while candidates who failed their initial tests will be given another opportunity within eight days.

As part of the operational changes, the daily limit for practical driving tests conducted by a single Vehicle Inspector has been increased from 40 to 50. The limit of 40 tests per day had been instituted during the previous government's tenure, down from an earlier quota of 60.

With the daily test capacity raised to 50, the department has reorganised the applicant slot ratio to allocate 28 spots to new applicants, 20 spots to candidates who previously failed, and two spots to students travelling abroad for studies.

Furthermore, the Transport Commissioner has issued directives to deploy officers from the enforcement wing to oversee driving tests if regular inspectors are unavailable.