We just headed straight to the RTO, now I guess there is an online test to pass beforehand.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Recently, I came across a thread on the Kerala MVD revamping the driving license examination to improve driving quality. Great news, but to be honest, the implementation of the same is another matter. This just got me thinking about the time I had to take my driving test back in 2011. I had been already driving for a couple of years, but primarily on internal roads and an open ground where my dad used to take me and my sister. We used to live on the outskirts of a small town, so there were barely 4 cars in our neighbourhood. The roads were pretty much empty and I got the hang of driving pretty quickly.

Back in the day (already feeling old as I write this), there were no written tests or MCQ online tests. Dad was friends with an agent who took care of the paperwork and informed me when I had to go for the driving test. On that day, it just hit me that I wouldn’t be driving my dad’s car since he had taken it to his office. The agent picked me up and we reached the RTO office where there were some forms that he picked out for me to sign and submit. After that, I had to just wait for my turn to drive the car.

The agent knew what the drill was and told me that the evaluator would ask me to take one round of the ground and then reverse into a spot. He was adamant on one aspect, which is when reversing, you HAVE to turn back and look through the rear windshield and park. If you don't look back, you will fail the test. I didn’t see the logic back then and didn’t pay much attention to it. I was used to using the mirrors and would just glance at the rear so that there was no one crossing from the side and then was comfortable aligning the car and reversing using the ORVMs and the IRVM.

The test car was an abused red Maruti 800 and I will never forget that car because it shook my foundations. The seats were horrible, there was barely any interior to speak of and no seat adjustment because it was jammed in one setting. While being seated in a horrible driving position, I buckled in the seatbelt and started the car. The clutch was heavy, the gear lever was wobbly and I managed to push it into first with a lot of effort. I didn’t want to seem amateurish in front of the evaluator, so I pretended that it was easy. Got off the line without stalling, which was a good start and then started to drive along the circumference of the oval ground. Shifting to second was another task as the gear lever refused to budge even after a couple of tries. I didn’t want to take my eyes off the road and gave it all in the third and finally, it shifted. Chuckled nervously to the evaluator that it needed oiling. He didn't respond, just had a blank expression.

Shifted to 3rd and then to 4th and I almost felt my bicep and shoulder grow. Finally, the round was over and we reached the spot where I was supposed to park. Slowed down and did as the agent had told. Looked back and reversed. Turned off the car. The evaluator had seen my form and knew I had just turned 18. He asked me how long since I had been driving already. We both laughed and that was it. I had passed.

Next up was the geared motorcycle test. Since a couple of my friends had gotten the motorcycle license, I knew that you had to ride the bike in the shape of an '8' and you were done. I had just barely learned how to ride a motorcycle and wasn't good at it. I'd never even gone above 3rd gear, so I was nervous about this one. Also, for some reason I had assumed that the test would be on an open ground, so I wasn't really worried about riding around in circles. The vehicle for my test was an old Hero Splendor. The surprise came when I got to know that there was no open ground for this. I had to ride in between 2 trees in the shape of ‘8’ for a couple of rounds without putting my feet down! The trees felt too close at that time. Got off the line with excess accelerator input, but managed to do 2 rounds. Didn't lose balance, so I made it through. Got my license delivered to my home address soon after that.

Of course, things have changed drastically since then. As far as I know, there's an online test now that you need to pass to be eligible for the actual driving test. Do share your driving license test experience. Given that we have such a wide variety of members from different age groups, I'm sure there would be some interesting stories.

Found this Top Gear video

Here's what BHPian rajesh1868 had to say on the matter:

I got it from Kerala. I had applied for both 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler but learned only 4-wheeler. I never learned to ride a motorized 2-wheeler.

My plan was not to attempt a 2-wheeler since I did not know how to start it.

I updated this to my Driving school instructor, who was there. We were using their vehicle for the test as well.

But he told me I should attend it and fail because I can learn it quickly once the test is over and reappear again faster. However, if I don't appear, I must start with the Learners License process. I agreed but told him I had never ridden a 2-wheeler other than a cycle. I did not even know how to start it. So he quickly taught me how to take an "8", which I learned in about 10 minutes.

My 4-wheeler driving test (On road + H) went uneventfully.

For the 2-wheeler, I did an "8" without any issues, whereas many practising earlier with full confidence failed it.

Now came the time for the road test. We were supposed to take a round in the ground perimeter where the test was being held. To my horror, the guy who took the ride before me handed the M80 to me after switching off the engine. I sat on it and didn't know what to do. The Inspectors were not looking at that time and were arguing with someone.

The next guy in line instructed me how to start it, and then, without changing any gear, I took a round. Thankfully, the inspectors never checked anyone for the 2-wheeler road test. But they were particular about 4-wheelers and the "8" test for 2-wheelers.

Anyway, I got the license for both.

To date, I do not own or have not driven a geared 2-wheeler post that. Gearless scooter, maybe 5 minutes of drive time in total.

Here's what BHPian Eddy had to say on the matter:

I got mine in 1999. Took my own Maruti Omni with me along with a friend who held a valid DL. The instructor sat in the car.

• Q- Do you know how to drive?
• A - Yes
• Q- Who taught you?
• A - Driving school (this was a lie, but I told him what he wanted to hear).

This was it. I was told to collect the DL later that evening or the next day (can't remember which).

No questions or inquiries about my two-wheeler riding ability at all.

Got the license!

But things have changed now in Delhi. A cousin was denied a license as she hit a cone while parking during the driving test. My aunt is still struggling to get one. She's failed twice. Once she could not climb a ramp with multiple stops in between and once because she could not reverse properly.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say on the matter:

Got my 2W non-geared DL way back in 2003! Back then, RTO was all about red tape, and bureaucracy, and was shadow-run by agents. Nothing was straightforward, and the process was designed to ensure you got your work done through agents.

I still attempted to get this done by myself, and it worked fine. While I didn't need agents to get my work done, I did still supply a healthy business to the print and copy shops in the RTO premises (mostly unnecessary, but everyone has a house to run!)

When I went in for my test, the written exam was done on the first try and I was issued a Learner's License. The practical test a month later was without drama, but I did go through an agent this time since I didn't own a scooter in my name. (Complex rules in case you didn't get your vehicle). The inspector wasn't even paying attention when I did the figure-of-8 and approved me for the DL.

Things were a little more eventful when it was time for the 4W and 2W with gear DL. Computer tests had just been introduced, and there were a lot of teething issues: server being down, applicants not knowing how to select the right option etc.

Again, I chose to go through an agent (rather, a driving school) just so everything is easy. The test cleared, and the driving test was a breeze as well since the inspectors-agents have their agreement. I drove the agent's rickety old Maruti 800, and then a Splendor. All I was asked to do was, a) drive and stop when told, b) don't stall or put your foot down (on the bike).

There was a whole lot of drama later though, as RTO did not endorse MCWG (Motorcycle with Gear) on the RTO, and despite several visits, I was being asked to check with counters around RTO like a headless chicken. One visit by the mothership to the RTO, and a short word with the RTO head magically resolved all problems.

This is from the early 2000s.

OT: While the thread isn't about this, here's an anecdote to highlight the transformation RTO has had over the years. I went to RTO on two separate occasions recently: once to get hypothecation cancelled, and another time to get my DL renewed. Anyone who was born pre-2010 will have a hard time believing it's the same organization!

Guess it's with good reason people often say, "hamare zamaane mein......" (in our times......)

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Repeat offences could result in the suspension or cancellation of the vehicle’s RC.

The Noida Police has issued a warning stating that drivers who receive more than three traffic violation challans could have their driving licenses cancelled.

The police said, “Action will be taken to cancel the license of a person who receives more than three consecutive challans for offences such as jumping red lights, over-speeding, overloading, carrying passengers in goods vehicles, using a mobile phone while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The Noida police have also stated that repeat offences could result in the suspension or cancellation of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC).

As per reports, the Noida and Greater Noida region witnessed around 1,000 road accidents this year, resulting in nearly 400 deaths. This prompted the state transport commissioner to direct the police to take stricter action against traffic violators.

Source: ET Auto

The tracks will be designed for testing three vehicle classes: 2-wheelers, LMVs and MHCVs.

The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Transport Department plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) based driving tests with an aim to scientifically evaluate the safe driving skills of the applicants, promote proper driver training, enhance awareness of traffic rules and reduce waiting times for driving license issuance.

The transport department will set up Automated Driving Test Tracks at 17 locations in the state. These include Mumbai Central, Badnera (Amravati), Buldhana, Nagpur City, Nagpur Rural, Nagpur East, Nanded, Ahmednagar, Alandi-Pune, Aurangabad, Hadapsar-Pune, Jalgaon, Saswad-Pune, Kolhapur, Nandivali Thane, Panvel, and Pen.

According to a senior official, 7 out of the 24 test assessment parameters checked before issuing driving licenses will be automated. The tracks will be designed for testing three vehicle classes: 2-wheelers, LMVs and MHCVs; and will include a figure-of-eight track, H-tracks, traffic signal tests, zebra crossing tests, zig-zag turns, gradient tests and serpentine tracks.

The tracks will be equipped with AI software to ensure minimal human intervention. Applicant identification through facial recognition will be incorporated into the system. It will also be able to simulate real-life scenarios and will generate driving test results for each type of track in real time.

Source: Mid Day

After submitting the declaration, it will then generate the application slip.

BHPian naveen.raju recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Here's how I replaced my current driving license to a smart card.

This was officially announced last month (I guess or atleast that's when I heard it was now available.) and I immediately decided to get this done. We may have the latest "AI Camera's", interceptors and what not but the driving license was still ancient. My first license was a low quality book and the renewed license wasn't better either which was like a railway platform ticket with a worst possible laminate. Few of the local shops here laminated this to PVC model for 50 bucks.

Anyways, coming back to the topic. Here's how it can be done:

Visit "https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/" and click on the following link as shown in the image:

On the new page, select "Kerala" from the drop-down menu.

Select the highlighted section as shown in the image:

Click "Continue"

Enter your driving license number, date of birth after which the driving license details will be extracted.

Below this page, you will need to enter the following details:

It will then show the preview of the license after which you will need to confirm it.

It will then show the list of services available. In this case, select the highlighted service:

It will then ask for your declaration (Please note you will need to fill the "Self Declaration Form" as well which will open as a pop-up window):

After submitting the declaration, it will then generate the application slip. Here click on the "next" button:

You will be taken to the application status page where you will need to enter the application number.

It will show the application status and stages to be completed by the applicant:

Click "Proceed" to upload the documents.

It will then populate the applicant info and then you will need to click "ok".

Upload the driving license and click "Next".
Note - Attach the front and back as a single image. Also, I tried to upload the image from Digilocker but was rejected since it didn't have my signature. So recommend you to take the photo of the original license and upload it.

16) You will then need to upload your signature and photo.

Note - For mine, I had used the same photo as the renewed license. For my wife's license, I tried with a different photo. Just to check if they will accept a different photo. Will update the thread in case they reject it.

Once the photo and signature files are saved, click "Next".

The next stage would be the "Fee Payment".

Once the payment is done, you will receive the payment slip. You can then track the progress after clicking "Application Status" on the homepage:

It took almost a month for me to receive it. The rejection of Digilocker image added to the delay but heard there's a lot of applications in queue. Also, there's a rumour that the price will be hiked from 245 to 1300 soon.

Here's how the smart card looks like:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

When I did my theory test at the RTO for the learners license, I failed my test once. The second time, the agent was blatantly telling me the answers standing right next to me.

BHPian anjan_c2007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We have been reading on our forum about our several encounters with the RTO offices all over India. As we are all automobile addicts of several hues, with our addiction levels ranging from moderate to extreme ( low level addictions are ruled out at teambhp), the RTO office encounters are unavoidable and have become a part of our day to day living. It's more so with those of us who own differently-abled automobiles that are defined as those which are 15 plus years old. Here, a routine visit once every five years for getting fitness done for each such automobile is desirable.

Earlier, road taxes were payable yearly for each vehicle we owned. Different vehicle's road taxes would lapse during different dates and the owner himself or through his agent would have to pay it. There would be crowds at RTO offices hence. The one time road tax implemented by Maharashtra for the first time in India in 1988, followed by others, reduced the footfalls. The online work execution has further reduced the crowds these days. This reduction is subjective as vehicle population has multiplied manifold and maybe in some RTO's there could still be crowds.

Coming to anecdotes here is an old incident. I had touched the age of 18 and had just got my driving license after doing the 90 day L license phase. As my father was in the Army he kept his scooter at home, but filled up a non-use form to exempt it from road tax payments during particular time periods. This he would do routinely but pay the road tax whenever he came on leave. Oblivious of the fact that I had got my license, the scooter was still in the non-use mode. He was to come on leave soon and upon getting his letter, I took money from my mother and drove to the RTO office to pay road tax. I parked the scooter and one MVI noticed the saffron and smoke grey 1971 Lambretta, MTA 1555 and walked up to me asking for the license and papers. Those days vehicles coming to the RTO office were not many. There used to be a RTO issued booklet for road tax entries (certificate of taxation) where non-use was mentioned for the current period for our scooter. The MVI took me to the office, a fine of some Rs 315=00 was calculated and a penalty receipt issued, for using the scooter while it was under non-use. This was a huge amount, about 10% of a then new scooter's cost. I tried to reason that I had come to pay the road tax but he would have none of it. Having no alternative, I went home parking my scooter there at the RTO premises. I told my mother who soon took out the fine amount and accompanied me to the RTO office. She gave the MVI a piece of her mind saying you've caught a kid and fined him when he came to pay the road tax. She also met the Dy RTO who said that you should have approached me before the challan was written. At this stage he pleaded helplessness.

And we had a lot of RTO inspectors as neighbors till about five years preceding this incident. They were transferred routinely after doing three years at a location. One AMVI's Mrs (we called her aunty) who were our family friends had told my mother an incident that had then happened at this very RTO office. The State Transport Minister was on a surprise visit. He suddenly put his hands into the two pockets of an inspector who was on duty. Wads of currency notes were found. The poor inspector suffered a massive heart attack and instantly passed away. Perhaps this inspector was an odd man out in the corruption channel, where such cash should have not been restricted to him only but should have reached the higher echelons.

Would like others to share their own experiences about RTO offices. I will share more later.

Here's what BHPian ArTigor had to say on the matter:

This dates back to 2007 when I was applying for my drivers license, Had got through the mandatory learner period and now it was my turn to visit the RTO to undertake driving test for my license. Getting a license without an 'agent' was just not possible unless you had some contact in the RTO, hence I approached an agent who was known to one of my friends, The total cost for getting the license done was rupees 1800 as I was opting for a Motorcycle as well as Car license. Two funny things happened on the day I visited the RTO:

While undertaking the test round, I was first asked to demonstrate my Bike riding on the test track. Took the bike on the test track which comprised of various turns and a small bridge. Rode the bike perfectly with all signals/indicators, the inspector failed me.

Next I was asked to demonstrate my car driving, The inspector asked me to keep my car ready at the beginning of test track, while I was waiting for him to signal me to start my drive, he signaled by his hands to just reverse out of that place and that's it, no more driving test, I passed the test.

So here is the scenario, After properly riding my bike I failed for the bike and even without driving my car I passed for the car test.

When I asked the inspector about the issue with my bike test, he said I can appeal to his senior. After an hour the inspector asks me to visit some senior inspector, all I do is sit there and wait for 1 hour in his cabin, he asks me just one question, 'Beta I hope you know the meaning of all the Signboards?', I nodded my head, that's it, my bike test is also approved.

Another funny mistake by the RTO in my Classic 350 registration card, is that it mentions seating capacity 2 and standing capacity 5. So legally I can have 5 people standing on my bike while riding it.

Here's what BHPian Small Bot had to say on the matter:

My first experience with the RTO office was when i wanted to get my Learners license in the mid-2000s.

I asked my brother: "What do I do to get that?" His response was: "Stand in front of the RTO office and look a little lost. Agents will pile up on you in a minute and tell you where to go." It worked just like that.

When I did my theory test for the Learners license, I failed my test once. The second time, the agent was blatantly telling me the answers standing right next to me, while the RTO folks were looking on, smiling.

And later, because I drove a Maruti 800 10 feet forward and 5 feet in reverse, I was given a bike license too without even being asked to ride one. I think the idea was that if I could drive a car, I should be able to ride a bike. Which is not the case though, as I struggle with geared bikes, but can easily drive any car.

Here's what BHPian Chhanda Das had to say on the matter:

This happened when I had to re-register my old Mark 4 petrol Ambassador in Lower Assam after bringing it back from the command post in Upper Assam. About why it was in the command post in the first place, that is a long story but you can check it out in the following link.

Anyway, my car was parked inside the RTO complex and was awaiting inspection. The RTO inspector came, took one look at the vehicle, shook his head, wrote something briskly in his file and hurriedly went back. This was before lunchtime. After lunch, I went to check the status of our application which alas, was rejected. Upon enquiring as to the reason for the rejection, I was informed by the clerk that there was some rust on the driver's door. I could not believe my ears and went back to my car to check immediately because when I had washed it earlier the previous day there was no rust. When I came near my car, I could not believe my eyes because there was indeed what looked like rust. However, upon closer inspection and a rubdown, it soon became clear that it was the typical reddish-brown mud from that area and not rust.

I ran back to the clerk and told him about the confusion but he claimed helplessness since his senior had already filed the report. I then went to talk about this to the RTO inspector himself and he too didn't believe me at first. After many requests, he came to my car to check again and he too was confused at first. He sheepishly acknowledged that since this was an old vehicle it must be rust. We had a good laugh about it. He asked me to wait in his office where I was served tea and biscuits while he filed a fresh inspection report and I was out of the office within 15 minutes with my re-registered car. All is well that ends well.

Another funny incident happened when my husband had to get his old Yamaha RX100 motorcycle re-registered. If you can recall, those RX100s used to have round rear indicators attached to the motorcycle with very flimsy rubber tube-like mounts which would often break/crack on bad roads. The rear left indicator's rubber mount was broken and we could not source a proper replacement in time. My husband went to the RTO inspector to talk about it. It turns out that the RTO inspector was my husband's friend from their APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) days. All he said to my husband in Axomiya (Assamese) was "Eh aaponi gussi jaok. Eibilaak moi sai lom" which roughly translates to "You go home. I will take care of this". I met that RTO inspector that evening when he came to our home to deliver the re-registration papers of my husband's motorcycle himself. He and my husband recollected some memories together till he left for his home after dinner.

Here's what BHPian NH08 had to say on the matter:

Some years back (around 2015), I went to RTO in Delhi for getting two wheeler license. I had been riding for the last 20+ years but as my earlier license (which had expired) was from different state, I decided to get a new license rather than walking on cumbersome transfer/renew path.

As was my habit, I reached RTO very early which proved to be good for me. The riding test was hardly 50 meters long and all I was to do was to take a tight left u turn. I was supposed to do that without touching my legs on the ground and after giving turn signals, these two things I knew beforehand. I even got my indicators repaired as one of them was not working.

Now, during testing, I somehow forgot to give signal but otherwise was ok. When I reached the Inspector, he told me in a serious tone:

'Actually, you have failed as you did not give signal but as this is my first test of the day, I am clearing you. I don't want to fail first person.'

And I got the license.

Here's what BHPian pannangs had to say on the matter:

This happened in 2016, when I had to get my DL renewed. I decided to do all the paperwork by myself and was able to get through to the final submission within a couple of hours. The RTO officer receiving my application recommended that I get a medical fitness certificate so that my license could be granted for a full 10 years.

I walked into one of the shops that had typical paraphernalia you would find in in the vicinity of an RTO. As I enquired for the fitness form, I was directed to a a person seated therein, who I was told is a doctor and will assess my fitness.

I walked up to him after quickly preparing responses to questions in the form, expecting to be asked questions, and, maybe, be subjected to simple exercises to prove my fitness. To my surprise, neither did the doctor ask me questions nor lift his head to look at me. He himself responded to all the questions, stamped a seal and signed the form, and asked for his fees to be placed on the table.

Certified fit without a glance

Here's what BHPian KiloAlpha had to say on the matter:

Couple of hilarious incidents when I got my license in the early 1990s.

I first applied for a car learners license pretty much a few days after I turned 18. At that time, in order to issue a learners license, an inspector would take an oral exam. So I was called into the exam room for this oral exam, and there were a few RTO staff apart from the inspector sitting in that cabin.

Inspector looks through my application, looks at my face, and then refuses to believe that I was 18 - he was of the firm belief that I was underage. So the first few questions were all aimed at trying to verify my age - questions like which school, when I passed 10th, etc. Then the application did the rounds of all the other staff sitting in that cabin who all looked at it, shook their head, and said that all looks in order so I must be 18. Then the grilling began. The inspector pretty much asked me everything - and I mean everything - about the rules of the road, driving etiquette, etc etc. The oral exam was more thorough than any viva-voce I ever faced in college. I got my learners license.

Then came the driving test a few months later. I had not gone through any driving school or agent, I simply applied, and took my grandfather's Ambassdor, and my grandfather, for the driving test. The inspector came around, verified all documents, sat in the passenger seat, and asked me to drive around the block. It was a 10 minute drive through suburban streets, and I could see the inspector actually enjoying the drive. At one point, I was turning left, a cyclist tried sneaking through the gap on the left and got an earful from the inspector. I did all I could to suppress the smile.

So, driving test over, inspector just walks off. My grandfather asks me whether I passed, and I shrugged my shoulders and said I didn't know. So he walks into the office to ask the inspector. A few minutes later, he walked out with twinkling eyes and a small smile playing on the edges of his lips. Yes, I had passed. But the inspector was mighty pissed because after he signed off on the paperwork, he realised that I had not come through an agent or driving school and so he should have failed me.

Here's what BHPian funkykar had to say on the matter:

Mine was a scary incident when I applied for a learner's License and took a test, which later became funny and unforgettable. It must have been early 1996. My dad took me to RTO as I believe minors should be accompanied by parents even to obtain LL. We filled form and handed it over, person at the desk directed me to a room where I was supposed to take a written test. I went in and took a seat. There were may be 30-35 people there. I saw most of them with Traffic Sign books etc memorizing something. I never even had seen such a book, but just common sense and interacting with Dad over years riding pillion had understood most of the traffic signs. I was a bit in panic mode just seeing others, felt I am unprepared. Then the instructor came and handed the question paper and a sheet to mark answers. It was multiple choice questions. Apart from school papers, this might be the first-ever such test I was to answer. He explained the instructions and said we have 60 mins to complete it.

There were 30 questions and each had 4 choices. All were fairly elementary and simple. E. g: You are approaching an intersection and need to turn right. A car is approaching at a fast pace from the opposite direction. What will you do? Options were like you go faster and turn right before he reaches the intersection, you will wait for him to pass and then turn right, etc. I was relieved I dint have to 'study' to be able to answer these questions. I was able to finish it in just 10-12 mins and handed the paper. The instructor gave a sarcastic look. I was not to leave the room and wait. After a long wait when all were done, we were to wait there until they checked the papers and get back with the score.

Maybe after half an hour, the instructor came in and called my name. I stood up not knowing what was wrong. Then he said, the rest of them can leave. I got more worried and tense. He then came near me and reconfirmed my name and showed my paper and reconfirmed if I had answered it etc. Then he said you have scored 30/30 and you have passed the written LL test. I then sighed with huge relief. The very next moment I understood the rest of 30 odd people who left the room had failed. I was baffled and perplexed how all of them except me could fail, that too the test was so really elementary.

Now, in retrospect after so many years, I can today say I am not at all surprised many of our riders/drivers lack basic sense, laced with RTO corruption, everyone has a driver's license.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I am 5'11 and having a budget of about 10L OTR. It will be mostly city driving and definitely trips over weekends, vacations, etc. since both of us are interested in driving as well as travelling.

BHPian WiseFool recently shared this with fellow enthusiasts.

I have been a silent spectator over the past few years reading threads on various cars. Our family has never owned a car. I initially went for driving lessons and obtained my license before COVID and consequently delayed purchasing due to COVID and unavailability of parking space.

Fast track 2 years later, I am now facing trouble with a slip disc and have completely stopped driving my bike. It is time to purchase a car now.

Initially I thought of getting a second hand car to learn driving and then get a new car maybe 1-2 years later. But seeing the pricing in the second hand market, I am preferring to buy a new one itself given that it will be my first car and also tending towards this since I don't know anyone who is very technically knowledgeable to help me verify a second hand car (afraid of being scammed).

I want to test drive cars and then finally zero down on something since both my wife and I would be driving. I am thinking of renting a car for say 3 months to learn driving properly before I can TD and then finalise the car. I can see only Revv to be a good option where I can see a Santro (manual, petrol) for about 25k per month for 3 months. Is 3 months sufficient or should I look at 6 months as I have been reading that most popular cars have a long wait time. Is there any other better option in Ashok Nagar, Chennai. Also, looking for some contacts (like drivers) who can give me driving lessons for a few days before I get a hang of things.

Secondly, I also request the community for inputs on the car options. I am 5'11 and having a budget of about 10L OTR. It will be mostly city driving and definitely trips over weekends, vacations, etc. since both of us are interested in driving as well as travelling. Further, I would prefer a car with good ground clearance and high seating since it may affect my disc issue (no to cars like indica), should have good service support as SCs tend to cheat customers by replacing parts unnecessarily.

Thanks if advance for all the inputs

Here's what BHPian .sushilkumar had to say on the matter:

I do not see a need for a rental car, just to learn driving. Look for the nearest Maruti driving school. I am learning from them since last 20+ days and pretty comfortable already on road with 4 more on-road classes to go. Costed me 6K.

Their curriculum is good with theory classes covering various aspects of CMVR act. Since you are new to driving, Would suggest to look at automatic as your first car based on your budget & preference

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

75K is quite a bit to pay to avoid the initial few scratches, etc. plus Revv may give you an abused car to begin with.
Instead, I would recommend finding a pre-owned automatic (for ease of driving given you have slip disc) with decent safety kit and good visibility - a model that is under original warranty (so you can extend it further) and which can be inspected by the authorized service center.

Ideally something like the Jazz.

If you can get something like this for around 8L, keep 2L reserve for touching up the scratches and the like that would accumulate over the first year + any other untoward maintenance cost you should be good!

Also, do practice with a reputed driving school first and then towards the end do a few lessons with their instructor, but in your car for the added comfort.

Here's what BHPian Geo_Ipe had to say on the matter:

Why do you want to rent a Santro for 75k when you can buy a whole Santro in decent shape for that amount!? You can drive it till you feel confident and buy yourself your dream car. Old cars don't depreciate too much, so you'll be able to sell it off and take a hit of 10-15k tops, or of lucky for the same price as you bought it.

Here's what BHPian Androdev had to say on the matter:

Go with a used car of 10 years age. You can sell it later for almost the same price. Honda Jazz or Maruti hatch under 4 lakhs. Honda City is also good option. The trick is to look for a very old car with very low mileage - definitely possible for high volume seller cars. Try true value, Honda terrace, etc. so you get cars with genuine mileage and service history.

The problem with new car is that you will invariably receive a lot of scratches and dents which can be hard to digest. You may feel discouraged and quit driving altogether.

Here's what BHPian Dippy had to say on the matter:

Learn to drive a manual at your driving school but buy an automatic when you are buying a car. With your slip disc problems, a manual is the last thing you want to drive in bumper to bumper city traffic.

There are a dearth of automatic cars available in your 10 lakh budget. An AMT will easily fit in. Check out the Baleno/ Glanxa AMTs, Tata Punch AMT, Grand i10 Nios AMT.

You could also check if Honda has any Jazz CVTs in stock.

But buy an automatic. Your left leg will thank you as well.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The automated driving test does not have any scope for testing learner drivers' psychology while driving - and as a result, we are creating selfish road-hogging monster drivers on our roads.

BHPian SS-Traveller recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

About 5 years ago, Delhi started India's first automated driving test track to assess applicants' driving skills in a fair manner before issuing them a permanent driving license, and to weed out corruption in the Regional Transport Offices. On government orders, such automated testing for driving licenses is becoming commonplace in many cities and districts across the country. For those who are unaware of what the automated testing procedure is, here is a detailed video.

The test entails driving forward and in reverse, negotiating a figure-of-eight course, a slalom section, obeying a traffic light, managing to stop and pull away on a mild gradient without rolling back, and parallel parking. Allowances are made for mistakes like hitting a kerb (crossing a yellow line determined to be the kerb by the cameras) multiple times. Yet, a large percentage of applicants fail the automated driving test, and to accommodate and pass more of them, some modifications are being made on the original tracks. This includes a mandatory reminder for examinees to put on their seat belts before starting the test (earlier, those who failed to put on their seat belts before starting off, failed).

What are the advantages of automated DL testing?

According to a survey by SaveLIFE Foundation in India in 2017, it was reported that a whopping 59% of the respondents did not give a test to obtain a driving license.

Multiple research papers have been published [1], [2], [3] listing the advantages of automated DL testing, and include:

• Expediting the testing of candidates aspiring for a driving licence in a more efficient and transparent manner, as compared to manual testing procedure.
• Reduction of time taken to test.
• No dependency on the experience of the examiner in conducting the test.
• No involvement of corruption and/or influence in success or failure of driving test
• Option for examinees to review errors committed by them in driving tests on recorded video, in case of doubt
• Reduction of workload of RTO employees, and ability to test and issue more DLs in a given period of time.

None of the papers, however, list any disadvantages of the automated driver testing system, and it is appalling how many flawed and incompetent drivers the system is producing.

But why is automated DL testing producing flawed and dangerous drivers?

Let us quickly look at what dangers and disadvantages the automated testing procedure entails.

Slow speed driving: Nowhere during the test does the speed of the vehicle exceed 10-15 km/h. While the examinee may well be able to control his vehicle at these speeds (a 3-year-old riding a tricycle can reach such speeds and control his progress), the problems begin when he reaches usual traffic speeds in the city (40-70 km/h), or God forbid, the new and swank expressways (80-120km/h) across the country. At high speeds, the newly licensed driver has no experience or ability to control his vehicle, nor has he ever been tested for this skill. Once he is travelling at high speed on an open road, he does not understand the limits of grip of his tyres or brakes. His license gives him utter freedom to travel at speeds well above the speed limits of a street or highway. During the automated test, the examinee would never have changed from first to second gear. Suddenly, out on the road, he is not able to figure out which gear to be in at what point.

No concept of the dynamics of traffic flow and requirement of crash avoidance space around his vehicle: When tested, the learner driver is benchmarking his position on the road only with relation to static structures such as yellow lines, kerbs, barriers, lampposts etc., which he can pass with inches to spare at a very leisurely pace. He does not understand that overtaking another vehicle and cutting into its path by sharply changing lanes immediately, can result in an unexpected collision; that pulling out of a side road without checking, into the path of an oncoming car, or even a bicycle, endangers human lives; that a vehicle approaching him is actually coming towards him at double or more of the speed he is travelling at, and a collision would be catastrophic; that overtaking a biker with six inches to spare between the two vehicles, or following another car at 100 km/h with 10 metres of space between them, is a sure shot recipe for disaster.

No hazard perception testing: The computerized hazard perception test for learner drivers is a must-do task in many countries, before the learner can even get behind the wheel. However, India, with more than its fair share of hazards on the road for drivers and riders, does not care to test drivers for their ability to recognize hazards on our roads. The grant of a DL after testing the ability to drive around a regulated course with static objects, is producing a genre of drivers who do not look out for pedestrians, wobbly cyclists, and especially loitering animals on our roads.

No knowledge of right-of-way rules and common courtesy for other road users: The automated driving test does not have any scope for testing learner drivers' psychology while driving - and as a result, we are creating selfish road-hogging monster drivers on our roads, leading to ego wars and road rage. The pedestrian and cyclist are not his concern to take care of, and the other car, as long as it is smaller and lower than his own, can be bullied out of the way.

No understanding of the power and acceleration capability of his vehicle: Young drivers and riders, fresh from the exhilaration of having received their new driving licence, begin by driving vehicles that can accelerate to 100 km/h before the driver/rider can utter what on earth is happening? Each driving licence issued empowers the driver to drive vehicles of any engine and performance type, and often these are involved in major crashes on Indian roads. Rules need to be implemented whereby a driver with less than a certain number of years of having received his DL, or those below a certain age, ought to be debarred from driving certain cars and bikes on public roads, that are too powerful for their own good.

No preparation, practice or testing for emergency braking, use of indicators, high & low beams, hazard flashers and fog lamps: The very fact that a majority of drivers driving manual transmission cars in India tend to press the brake and clutch pedals together (I have even noticed some cab drivers do it), means that no one taught these drivers to drive with proper technique. Hardly anyone uses indicators before a turn, lane change, or at a roundabout. As to the use of low beams, the less said the better. Hazard flashers and fog lamps are used indiscriminately and at will, in sunshine, nighttime, rain or fog. Once the DL is received, no one bothers to refine or correct their technique of driving.

No evaluation of setting up and use of rearview mirrors or head checks: Enough said. In a country where half of all drivers keep their ORVMs folded for fear of breakage, how does one know about hazards behind and to the sides? An unaware driver is a dangerous driver.

That the automated driving test is not adequate, has been highlighted in this video.

Listen to the presenter's point of view from 5:53 onwards, to find out.

At the rate India is putting out newer, bigger and more powerful cars on the roads, accompanied by such flawed testing procedures for issuing DLs by the thousands (lakhs?) every day across the country, road safety in India is about to become a topic for more conferences, discussions, hashtags and debates than actual lives being saved. It is high time that DLs are not issued indiscriminately, driver training and testing are made far more stringent, and new traffic rules be brought in whereby drivers would have their licences suspended if involved in a major crash or multiple minor traffic violations (such as, say, 10 traffic light violations), and would need to undergo re-training and re-testing under a completely new and rigorous process before receiving a new DL.

To our experienced drivers on this forum: What are your suggestions for large-scale improvement in the quality of driving and skills of drivers & riders on Indian roads?

Here's what BHPian Samba had to say on the matter:

I agree with all the points you have mentioned. Just like, there is a huge gap between theory and practical, the same applies here. There is a lot of difference in driving inside a confined place and on open roads.

There must be a hands on driving test on the road with moderate traffic where points will be deducted on making every small mistakes. At-least a 15 to 20 mins of drive should be made compulsory. Most of the road users in India has a very pathetic driving sense & that's because no one taught them the right way.
Most of the drivers here learn driving from another senior driver and that driver has learnt in the same manner few years back! So the mistakes are actually been carried forward by the trainers! Even most of the training school drivers are just average drivers with poor knowledge.

A child grows up seeing their parents or their trusted driver driving their cars. He/she considers them to be the perfect mentor to learn driving. But no one corrects them the mistakes they pick up from their mentors, & it's been carried forward!

I consider driving to fall under life skill and it should be taken seriously. In India we need proper certified trainers to train the new drivers before appearing for a driving test.

Here people are getting their license through these automated driving license tests, and in reality we need to drive in such conditions!

Here's what BHPian MT_Hyderabad had to say on the matter:

Nothing is perfect in this world and Driving License Testing is no different.

One can argue that the test is conducted in the day, what will happen when it is dark? or even more dangerous - raining!?

Information from National Safety Council states that crashes are more than average during the dark.

Hence, I will continue to believe that there is, and will always remain, some scope of improvement in the testing set up and it can never mimic the real life conditions that one will face in the real world.

Exposure to these conditions during the learning license phase and training is a must.

Here's what BHPian Jeroen had to say on the matter:

So we can’t produce fully automated cars, but we can have fully automated drive testing?

Well, I guess count your blessing in the sense, this is still better than no driving test at all. My driving test in Delhi was a joke. But I agree that this sort of testing is not anywhere sufficient for driving in real traffic.

Here's what BHPian aaargee had to say on the matter:

Sir, I'm of the opinion that, no matter how, where, what one learns, the SYSTEM, the long rotten lack of traffic law enforcement SYSTEM in here, simply turns everyone into another offender.

Although difficult to prove, my opinion is that, it all starts right at schooling; it is indeed the education, the education by Parents, who, for convenience sake, violate all laws to dump their children at school right on time for their fear of their children missing assembly is far greater than traffic violation. And all innocent children get to the notion that, if Parents are doing this, then this must be right.

I can't wait to see how horrendous the situation turns into in next few years when these innocent children turn 18 driving/riding on road.

And why lack of enforcement? I happened to hear one Police lamenting how situation have turned the tables these days; someone recording with a phone, reaching out to social media has strong support towards the offender rather than system of justice. Again the SYSTEM plays a role here.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.