The Manipur government has announced a new regulation requiring a mandatory driving test for all applicants seeking permanent Smart Card driving licenses. This measure, aimed at ensuring road safety and driver competence, is effective immediately.
Key Points:
1. Official Notification and Implementation:
The directive was issued by Nivedita Lairenlakpam, Director of Transport, and stipulates that all driving tests will be conducted at the Institute of Driver’s Training and Research Centre (IDTRC) located in Top Dussara, Imphal East.
2. Testing Schedule:
The notification provides a detailed schedule for the tests:
Imphal East District Transport Office (DTO) will conduct tests on Mondays and Saturdays.
- Imphal West DTO will conduct tests on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Bishnupur DTO will conduct tests on Wednesdays.
- Thoubal DTO will conduct tests on Thursdays.
For other DTOs, mandatory driving tests will be arranged at suitable locations determined by the respective offices.
3. Scope of the Mandate:
The mandate applies to all types of vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers (Light Motor Vehicles), and heavy vehicles. Applicants must secure a test slot through their respective DTOs.
Background and Rationale:
This regulation aligns with national efforts to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents by ensuring that drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge. The IDTRC in Imphal East is equipped to handle the influx of applicants and provide comprehensive driving assessments.
Conclusion:
The introduction of mandatory driving tests represents a significant step towards improving road safety in Manipur. By rigorously evaluating the driving abilities of license applicants, the government aims to foster a safer driving environment across the state.
For further details, residents are encouraged to contact their local DTO or visit the IDTRC in Imphal East.