Poor diligence in granting driving licences costing lives on Maharashtra roads

Maharashtra is one of the states with high personal vehicle density across India. Experts believe that poor diligence while granting driving licences in the state is costing people's lives on the roads. PTI has reported that around 97.24 per cent of 32.04 lakh applicants who applied for driving licences have passed the tests, while only 2.4 per cent failed and 0.36 per cent didn't turn up for tests. The experts believe such a high success rate in getting a driving licence in the state is nothing but a lack of diligence on the licence-issuing officials' part.

Around 97.24 per cent of 32.04 lakh applicants for driving licences had passed the tests in Maharashtra.
Around 97.24 per cent of 32.04 lakh applicants for driving licences had passed the tests in Maharashtra.

The experts reportedly said that lack of proper diligence while granting driving licences and inadequate law enforcement resulted in high fatalities due to road accidents in Maharashtra. The report further claims that among the 50 regional transport offices (RTO) in the state, 14 had a failure rate of less than one per cent among driving test applicants, while only six had a failure rate of more than five per cent. What is more serious is that in some RTO offices, the failure rate was below 0.50 per cent, and a few had more than seven to eight per cent, reveals the report.

Also Read : What is ‘One-Minute Traffic Plan’ to be implemented in Shimla?

The experts say it is difficult to understand how so many drivers were passing driving tests. At the same time, if so many drivers are passing the driving tests, how the number of road accidents and related deaths is alarmingly high on Maharashtra roads, questioned the experts. They have demanded that the process of issuing driving licences needs to be improved to assess the safe driving skills of the applicants critically. The experts said that such a strict process would ensure only skilled drivers are granted driving licences.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Mahindra Xuv300 Turbo Sport (HT Auto photo)
₹10.35 - 12.9 Lakhs***Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Mercedes-benz Amg E53 Cabriolet (HT Auto photo)
2999 cc | Petrol | Automatic
₹1.3 Cr**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Maruti Suzuki Ytb (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹7 - 11 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Maserati Mc20 (HT Auto photo)
₹3.69 Cr***Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Maruti Suzuki Baleno (HT Auto photo)
1197 cc | Petrol | Manual
₹6.5 - 10 Lakhs***Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Maruti Suzuki S-presso (HT Auto photo)
₹4.25 - 5.99 Lakhs***Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers

The experts have alleged that the driving tests conducted by the RTOs are considered a mere formality at most of the RTOs. Also, they have alleged that a permanent driving licence is granted without properly testing driving skills. The experts stated that such a low failure rate of applicants only highlights the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the driving licence-issuing system.

Maharashtra transport department's records have revealed that the failure rate of learning licence tests was high in 2022. Out of 18.80 lakh applicants for learning licences last year, 9.23 per cent failed the tests, translating to 1.73 lakh applicants. Speaking about the road accident and related fatalities in the state, the transport department data reveals that at least 14,883 people were killed and 27,218 were injured in 33,069 road crashes across Maharashtra 2022.

First Published Date: 07 May 2023, 15:55 PM IST
Recommended for you
View all
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
55% OFF
SOFTSPUN Microfiber Cloth - 4 pcs - 40x40 cms - 340 GSM Grey- Thick Lint & Streak-Free Multipurpose Cloths - Automotive Microfibre Towels for Car Bike Cleaning Polishing Washing & Detailing…
Rs. 269 Rs. 604
19% OFF
Involve Your Senses One Musk Organic Car Perfume, Involve Your Senses Strong Fiber Air Freshener to Freshen'up Your Car - IONE01-40 g,Car Accessories interior car perfumes and fresheners
Rs. 324 Rs. 399
73% OFF
pTron Bullet Pro 36W PD Quick Charger, 3 Port Fast Car Charger Adapter - Compatible with All Smartphones & Tablets (Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 1,299
13% OFF
Jopasu Car Duster
Rs. 755 Rs. 869

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city