License seekers suffer in lack of standard trial center

KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Even though five months have elapsed since the government enforced a new trial system for issuing driving licenses based on international standards, the Department of Transportation Management (DoTM) in Bagmati zone has yet to build a separate, well-managed trial center in the capital.



The new directive issued in 2069 BS by the DoTM for driving tests envisions that a trial ground should be spread over at least 13 ropanis of land.

The new trial system requires a set up for making a figure of eight, bumpy test, ramp test, narrow plank test and traffic signal test, along with speed, gear and timing test. [break]



But the DoTM is still holding the driving trials for two-wheelers at the premises of trolley bus office in New Baneshwar and that for four-wheelers at the national trading corporation, and has no plan to build a separate trial center in the future.



“The trial center in New Baneshwar looks more like a garage than a trial center, and the condition of the four-wheelers trial ground is also likewise. The condition of the trial grounds clearly shows how serious the government is to effectively implement the new trial system which is more scientific and transparent than the previous one,” said Ashish Guajurel, a traffic engineer.



He criticized the DoTM for hastily launching the new trail system without vision and coordination with all stakeholders. “The DoTM should have developed infrastructures required for the new system before enforcing it,” he added.



As the DoTM enforced the new trial system without first developing necessary physical infrastructure for the purpose, zonal offices of the DoTM have stopped issuing license, which has forced hundreds of people residing in the other zones to visit Kathmandu just to get their diving licenses.



Interestingly, the DoTM officials said they forgot to demand budget from the finance ministry to set up a separate trial ground in Bagmati zone.



“We sought budget for constructing trial centers in other 12 zones. By not asking budget to construct a separate trial center in the capital, we committed a blunder,” said Sudarshan Prasad Dhakal, director general of the DoTM.



Though the government has allocated Rs 3 million for setting up trial centers in each of the 12 zones, not a single penny has been allotted for Bagmati zone, said Dhakal.



“Currently, trials in the capital are taking place haphazardly. The DoTM should build an exemplary trial center in the capital so that other across the country will follow. We have been frequently advising the DoTM to set up a permanent trial center,” said Basanta Kumar Panta, spokesperson at Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.

Related story

Closure of accreditation service for smart driving license hits...