LLR drive misses target as candidates fail sign tests

Tirupati: Efforts by the RTA to ensure everyone has a valid driving licence via LLR drives, seems to be falling short (or slightly away from the target) and raising many questions on road safety and awareness.

While the campaign has recorded good results in educational institutions, the ongoing drives in rural areas have been showcasing mixed response. The pass percentage is merely 40-50 per cent, arising due to many factors like lack of education, awareness on computers etc., The officials have been saying that though one may get driving licence only by having road awareness, it may not be directly proportional to road safety in which it may play an important role.

Road Transport Authority has been conducting mega LLR melas across Chittoor district since seven days. On an average everyday at least 500 candidates were attending the test and almost half of them have failed to get minimum marks of 12 out of 20.

Expecting this, the MVIs have been showing special interest and trying to create awareness for one hour about the test before its commencement. Still, the pass percentage was not up to the mark. Out of 20 questions, 8 questions will be on road signs and signals only and yet most of the candidates were failing to get the required marks.

Speaking to The Hans India, RTO G Vivekananda Reddy said, “Till now most of the people did not venture to take driving licence as they have several apprehensions over the functioning of RTA office. Now, we came to their place and creating awareness. That is our primary motive and in the next stage they may get qualified.”

It is learnt that, people who are driving vehicles for years could not get the required marks which does not mean that they don’t have road awareness. The basic factor that is said to be causing most failures was online test as most of the candidates are not well-versed with computer knowledge.

Lack of educational standard was another contributing factor. For instance, a person having experience of over 20 years in driving may not qualify in test but can drive safely and that does not mean that they do not need licence to drive.

One should get licence as per norms and the special drives are intended towards this direction. Both LLR and driving licence tests have been aimed at examining the awareness of drivers. Motor Vehicle Inspector B Suresh Naidu said that road accidents have been claiming most lives in the country than any other natural calamity or epidemic.

While 1.5 lakh deaths have been taking place due to road accidents in India per year, about 8,000 deaths were being recorded in AP and 1600-1800 in Chittoor district. It’s high time everyone should recognise importance of road safety and give it utmost priority.

The real problem lies with the fact that no one cares for traffic rules which causes accidents. Out of total vehicles, two wheelers occupy 70 per cent and out of total accidental deaths two-wheeler accidents would be 25-27 percent, he explained.

The LLR melas being conducted in educational institutions registered about 80-90 per cent success. So, keeping in mind the education levels, it is necessary to conduct more awareness camps in the second phase, which may surely register more pass percentage, he felt.