NVC directs provincial govts to allow personal vehicles for driving license trials

Published On: January 22, 2024 07:45 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 22: The National Vigilance Center (NVC) has instructed the provincial governments to make arrangements to allow the test takers to use their vehicles voluntarily while giving the practical test (trial) for driving licenses.

The NVC has written to the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers offices of all the seven provinces and given this instruction.

Earlier, complaints were made public that the examinees had to use the vehicles of the trial center and had to pay expensive fees for that.

Addressing that complaint, the Lumbini Province government has already made arrangements to allow people to use vehicles voluntarily while taking a trial test. Industry and Transport Minister Saroj Thapa issued instructions to the heads of subordinate offices to remove the compulsion to use trial center vehicles.

However, in some provinces, the mandatory system of using the vehicles of the trial center is still in place, so the NVC has issued instructions to arrange the system of using the vehicles voluntarily, citing the Prevention of Corruption Act.

“To address the concerns raised by general examinees regarding the use of vehicles for the driving license examination, it is important to note that there is no specific requirement in any Nepali law, including the Driving License Examination Procedure Manual 2077 BS, mandating the use of training center vehicles. In light of this, and following the secretary-level decision dated 2080.10.05, arrangements should be made to permit examinees the option to voluntarily use their own vehicles for the test. This request is made in accordance with section 38 (g) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 2059 BS, to ensure transparent and fair examination practices at this center,” the NVC's letter states.

The letter has also been forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Transport Management and the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office.