The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), under the leadership of Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan, today initiated driving skill tests here at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) located at Khaink, Kot Bhalwal.
The testing track, currently under construction, is being developed with advanced automation systems by Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The project is expected to be completed on or before March 31, 2025. The Transport Commissioner was accompanied by Jt. Transport Commissioner Vinay Samotra and RTO Jammu Pankaj Bhagotra.
The decision to commence driving skill tests at the under-construction IDTR aims to enhance the confidence of driving license aspirants by exposing them to a more challenging environment with real-life complexities and vulnerabilities through which MVD seeks to prepare better individuals for road safety and responsible driving, which is the prime concern of the department due to increasing trend of fatalities in road accidents in India.
Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan emphasized, “The initiative is a step towards creating safer roads by ensuring that license seekers are trained and tested in a realistic and modern setting. Once fully automated, the IDTR will set a benchmark in driving education and testing.”
This move aligns with the Government’s vision of promoting efficient and technology-driven infrastructure in the transportation sector. During the interaction with DL Test aspirants, the Transport Commissioner stressed upon all to follow the Road Safety Rules & Regulations so that lives which are being lost due to road accidents are saved.
He also warned the violators of strict punitive action if they don’t mend wrong ways of driving on the roads. He also directed the DL Test Board not to conduct Driving Test of DL aspirants without wearing Helmet for 2 Wheeler test and Seat Belt for 4Wheeler test.
A Road Safety pledge was also solemnised to all present in the DL Test Ground. A team of MVD comprising ARTO Hqr. Rehana Tabassam, ARTO (P), Kuldeep Singh, ARTO(G), Mudasir Iqbal, ARTO (FS) Bipen Singh Charak and Vikas Srivats (MVI), Jasbir Singh (MVI), Jagandeep Singh (MVI), Amanish Sharma (SMVI) and Tarunjot Singh (MVTA) were also present in the Driving Test Ground, which managed and conducted today’s activities.