AN 8 TEST FOR TEST DRIVE

"Transport department prepares tough track to test drivers’ skills before issuing licences "

Getting a driving licence in Bangalore just got tougher (read, no more bribes!). Now, one has to go through a gruelling obstacle course that tests your driving and balancing skills at every step.

• A correspondent checked out the yet-to-be launched track spread across a 1.2-acre plot at Ullal, off the Bangalore University campus on Mysore Road, on Wednesday.Though he has been riding a motorbike for the last 10 years, he found it hard to negotiate his two-wheeler through the 8-shaped track. He began his testdrive at around 12.01 pm and took 1.2 minutes to come out ‘unscathed’.
• But not before manoeuvring through serpentine curves, which have 27 sensor poles. These poles being ‘ultra light’, even a slightest nudge would knock them down.
• Our correspondent realised it was going to be tough for newbies to get a DL since he, despite being an experienced driver, found the going tough. He could barely move at 5-7 km/hr, the speed at which the traffic moves on Bangalore roads.
• He also had some close shaves. Once, he almost brushed against a pole, but missed it by a whisker.

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OUR FEEDBACK

• Despite the tough test, we feel there is scope for some improvement. As of now, there is no honking test in which drivers are tested for negotiating traffic without honking. We also felt the need for a zebra test in which drivers can be asked to avoid stopping just before it.

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THE ROUTE TO LICENCE

Registration: A clerk will help you register at the track venue and issue an ID card after receiving the registration charges of Rs 50. Then you will be taken to a classroom for a briefing session.

Traffic signal test: It will be conducted on a computerised kiosk. One has the option to either do it in Kannada or English.

Kickstart vehicle: You need to stop the vehicle at the entrance, which has sensors on either side. After the control room operator gives the green signal, you start moving. The track has 34 sensor poles on the sides. One must avoid hitting these poles while driving. If more than six poles get knocked down, you will be disqualified.

Time test: You have to complete the test in 180 seconds (three minutes). For the four-wheeler licence, one is tested for parking and reversing.

Upgradiant test: In this case, vehicles must stop at a particular point that has sensors on the either side. It is monitored by CCTV cameras. After getting a green signal from the control room, one has to drive up the gradiant without coming back. If sensors detect that you have rolled back beyond the permissible limit, you will be disqualified.

Final step: After clearing the test, the control room will send the results to the clerk. You will know your fare within five minutes.