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.
